I have a question regarding the use of "**before**" as an adverb. In the following examples, what word or words does "**before**" modify? As an adverb, it should modify either a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.

> a few days before

> the night before

> The war had ended a month or so before.

> I finished college the year before.

In all of these examples, "**before**" follows a noun. What word or words does "**before**" modify? The main verb of the sentence?

Also, what is the function of the noun (or noun phrase) within the sentence in the latter two examples?

Thank you.