Learn · Sentences Time and Sequence Sentences
He left for the airport before I had the chance to say goodbye.
C2Sentence
Narrator
He left for the airport before I had the chance to say goodbye.
Study notes
How to use in different contexts
Narrating a Story
He rushed off to the airport; I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye.
Expressing Regret
I regret that he left for the airport before I could say goodbye.
Describing a Missed Opportunity
I missed the chance to say goodbye because he left early for the airport.
Explaining a Situation
He departed for the airport unexpectedly, preventing a proper farewell.
Rephrased versions
Formal
Prior to my opportunity to bid him farewell, he departed for the airport.
Casual
He took off for the airport before I could say goodbye.
Simpler English
He went to the airport; I didn't get to say goodbye.
Phrases to learn
left for the airport
Departed for the airport.
had the chance to
Possessed the opportunity to.