at earlier time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at earlier time" is not correct in standard written English.
It should be used in contexts where you want to refer to a previous point in time, but it needs to be rephrased for clarity. Example: "The project was discussed at an earlier time during the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most importantly, the temporary encapsulation of cells significantly enhanced cell viability at earlier time points.

Biomaterials

Feedback of the incomplete response at earlier time steps is used, without the need for any state estimation.

Advances in Building Technology Proceedings of the International Conference on Advances in Building Technology 4–6 December 2002, Hong Kong, China

It was found that plasma treatment to electrospun nanofibers had a great effect on pMSCs morphology at earlier time points.

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces

However, a humid or watery Mars at earlier time was suggested by evidence accumulated in recent decades.

Advances in Space Research

By contrast, the activity of AnAXE CtCBM3 on cellulose acetate increased by two to four times over 24 h, with greater differences observed at earlier time points.

Enzyme and Microbial Technology

Hence, there is no decrease of errors occurring at earlier time steps.

Boundary Value Problems

The PROMIS UE and qDASH similarly showed more change in function at earlier time points.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Also, it was observed that the curve inflection point was obtained at earlier time.

Applied Adhesion Science

Directional ramification extension may be more relevant at earlier time points due to the damage-sensing microglia reorientation.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Thus, evaluation of methods that can be applied to assess response at earlier time points during treatment is important.

EJNMMI Research

Overall reverse mutations appeared at earlier time points than escape mutations from the wild type.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, replace "at earlier time" with more grammatically sound alternatives like "previously" or "before" to enhance clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "at earlier time" in formal documents; its usage, although frequent in certain contexts, isn't grammatically sound. Opt for "previously" or "before" to keep the writing formal and academically accepted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at earlier time" functions as an adverbial phrase, attempting to specify when something occurred relative to another point in time. However, as Ludwig AI highlights, this phrasing is grammatically incorrect in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at earlier time" is commonly encountered, particularly in scientific literature, aiming to pinpoint events in the past. However, Ludwig AI emphasizes that this phrasing is grammatically incorrect in standard English. While frequent, especially in scientific articles, better alternatives such as "previously", "before", or "at a prior time" should be favored to ensure grammatical accuracy and maintain a professional tone. Using more grammatically sound options will enhance the clarity and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a prior time

Replaces "earlier" with "prior", maintaining a formal tone.

earlier on

Adds "on" for emphasis, subtly changing the tone.

previously

This is a concise adverb that directly indicates something happened before the current time.

at an earlier stage

Substitutes "time" with "stage", suitable when referring to a process or project.

at a former time

Swaps "earlier" for "former", indicating a point long ago.

before

A simple preposition indicating something happened ahead in time.

in earlier instances

Uses plural form, useful for repeated prior events.

in the past

Uses a more general term for something that occurred at any time before now.

in advance

Highlights preparation before a specific event or moment.

at the beginning

Focuses specifically on the initial phase or starting point.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the idea of "at earlier time" in a sentence?

Instead of "at earlier time", use alternatives like "previously", "before", or "at a prior time" to ensure grammatical correctness.

Is it grammatically correct to say "at earlier time"?

No, "at earlier time" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Better alternatives include "previously" or "before".

What's a more formal way to say "at earlier time"?

A more formal alternative to "at earlier time" is "at a prior time". This phrasing maintains a professional tone while accurately conveying the meaning.

Which is correct: "at earlier time" or "previously"?

"Previously" is the correct and more grammatically accepted choice. "At earlier time" should be avoided in formal writing.