Earlier this year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Earlier this year" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to events or occurrences that took place within the current calendar year before the present date. Example: "Earlier this year, we launched a new product that has received positive feedback from customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was the summer of 1967.

The New York Times

Trials of this idea are currently under way, one of which should report next year.

The Economist

Last year, during David Cameron's trip to Beijing, the same paper announced that Britain was "just an old European country apt [that is, suitable] for travel and study".

The Guardian - Opinion

This is wrong".

The New York Times

But is this right?

The New York Times

This is probably true.

The New York Times

There is a reason for this.

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't always like this, of course.

The New York Times - Travel

This list is far from exhaustive.

The Guardian

As an environmentalist, and someone who believes that everyone in this world has a right to a healthy and nutritious diet of their choosing, I could not have chosen a more counter-productive path.

The New York Times

What explains this?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Earlier this year" to provide a clear temporal reference to events within the current calendar year without specifying an exact date. This is especially useful in contexts where the specific date is not important, but the general timeframe is.

Common error

Avoid using "Earlier this year" when referring to events from previous years. Ensure the context clearly indicates the current year to prevent ambiguity. For past years, specify the year explicitly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Earlier this year" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb by providing a specific temporal context. It indicates when an action or event took place, placing it within the current year but prior to the present moment. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Earlier this year" is a grammatically sound and widely understood way to refer to events that occurred within the current year, but before the present date. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While the phrase itself is versatile and can fit into various contexts, it's vital to make sure the timeframe is clear, especially when compared to other phrases like "last year". If you need alternatives, consider phrases such as "earlier in the year" or "at the start of the year".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Earlier in the year

Changes the phrase structure while maintaining the temporal reference.

In the first part of this year

Expands the phrase to specify the initial portion of the year.

At the start of this year

Focuses on the beginning of the year as the time frame.

The beginning of this year

Similar to the previous phrase, highlighting the year's commencement.

Since the start of the year

Indicates a period from the year's beginning until now.

Previously this year

Uses 'previously' to denote an earlier time within the year.

In previous months this year

Specifies earlier months within the current year.

Prior to now this year

Formal way of saying before the present moment in the year.

Earlier within the current year

Adds emphasis on the current year context.

Up until now this year

Highlights the period from the beginning of the year to the present.

FAQs

How can I use "Earlier this year" in a sentence?

"Earlier this year" is used to indicate something that happened in the current year but before the present date. For instance, "Earlier this year, the company launched a new product."

What can I say instead of "Earlier this year"?

You can use alternatives like "earlier in the year", "in the first part of this year", or "at the start of this year" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "Early this year" instead of "Earlier this year"?

While "Early this year" is understandable, "Earlier this year" is more grammatically precise when referring to a time before the present within the current year. "Early this year" is acceptable in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "Earlier this year" and "Last year"?

"Earlier this year" refers to a period within the current calendar year, while "Last year" refers to the entire previous calendar year. Using the correct phrase ensures clarity about the time frame you're referencing.