When it comes to writing, it's important to have a variety of word choices to keep readers engaged. Instead of using the common phrase "went before," consider replacing it with one of these synonyms: preceded, came first, led to, anteceded, proceeded, had prior presence, went ahead of, went in advance, preceded in time, or went in front of. Each of these words conveys a similar meaning to "went before," but can add more depth and texture to your writing. Experiment with using these words in your next piece to enhance your style and convey your message more effectively.