earlier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earlier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time before the current moment or a previously mentioned point in time. Example: "As I mentioned earlier, the meeting will start at 10 AM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Family would appreciate that their earlier appeal re privacy applies to Carole and family too".

The Guardian

An earlier version said Samantha Cameron had accompanied the prime minister to Balmoral in September.

The Guardian

What a nightmare!" There had been delays involving Clapham Junction earlier in the rush hour due to a lineside fire which caused hold-ups to services on London Overground.

The Guardian

The first that other judges knew of his plan to contest the appointment of Boddice – who had been nominated two months earlier under a 20-year protocol – was a public statement the next day that it was "a matter for the chief justice under the electoral act".

The Guardian

I want to make sure you can use it as an indirect letter of support for your project so you can go back to Walt [Secord, chief of staff for then-premier Kristina Keneally]." Earlier in the day, Liberal MP Marie Ficarra denied arranging for a property developer to give $5,000 to Eightbyfive to skirt electoral funding laws that prohibited political parties from accepting such donations.

The Guardian

An apocryphal story says that a few days earlier, the then 22-year-old was at the Cannes film festival, leaving a screening of Steven Soderbergh's sex, lies and videotape.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Lest that sound like faint praise, he quickly qualifies it: earlier this week, in a day trip around Stockholm's record shops, he added 50 singles to his already mammoth Abba collection.

The Guardian - Music

All the medical experts who gave evidence in the case earlier this week said the chances of the unborn child surviving were minimal.

The Guardian

"Two Olympic victories, the hockey and Crimea," said Trifonova, referring to the Russian team's victories in the Winter Olympics and paralympics held in Sochi earlier this year, as well as in the recent ice hockey world championships, and the annexation by Moscow of the Crimea peninsula.

The Guardian

A survey earlier this year conducted by the benevolent fund of the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) asked 500 cricketers present and past a range of questions about mental and physical health.

The Guardian - Sport

Earlier this week, Valls said the removal of a person's nationality "is a legitimate question that arises regarding the consequences to which a person exposes themselves when they decide to attack the nation to which they belong because they were born there or have been accepted there".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "earlier", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, if you're discussing multiple events, specify which event you're referring to as "earlier".

Common error

Avoid using "earlier" without establishing a clear timeline. Without context, the reader may not understand what time frame you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "earlier" is as an adverb or adjective indicating a time before the present or a specified point. As shown by Ludwig, it modifies verbs or nouns to specify a temporal relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Opinion

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Music

8%

Business

7%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earlier" is a versatile word functioning as both an adverb and an adjective to denote a time before the present or a previously mentioned point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts like news, opinion pieces, and sports reporting. For clarity, always ensure the temporal reference is well-established. Alternatives such as ""previously"", "beforehand", or "prior to" may be suitable depending on the nuance you want to convey. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively utilize "earlier" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously

Indicates a time before the current moment, similar to "earlier" but more formal.

sooner

Indicates a time relatively before an expected time, similar to "earlier" in comparative contexts.

prior to

A more formal synonym indicating something happened before a specific event or time.

beforehand

Implies preparation or action taken prior to a specific event, slightly different focus than "earlier".

formerly

Indicates a previous state or condition, often related to roles or positions.

in advance

Focuses on preparing for something ahead of time, adding an element of planning not always present in "earlier".

ahead of time

Highlights being on schedule or proactive, whereas "earlier" simply denotes a prior time.

at first

Emphasizes the beginning or initial stage, contrasting with "earlier" which is more general.

in the past

Refers to a time long ago, potentially more distant than what "earlier" suggests.

in former times

A more archaic and emphatic way of saying "in the past", suggesting a significant time difference.

FAQs

How do I use "earlier" in a sentence?

You can use "earlier" to refer to a time before the present or a previously mentioned point. For example, "As mentioned "previously", the deadline is next week" or "I should have started "sooner"".

What can I say instead of "earlier"?

You can use alternatives like ""previously"", "beforehand", or "prior to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "earlier" or "before"?

Both "earlier" and "before" can be correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Earlier" is comparative, suggesting a time closer to the present than another point. "Before" is more general and indicates simply preceding something in time.

What's the difference between "earlier" and "formerly"?

"Earlier" refers to a time before the present or a specific event. "Formerly" indicates a previous state, condition, or role that has since changed.