earlier in the process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earlier in the process" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a point in time that occurred before the current stage of a procedure or series of events. Example: "We encountered several challenges earlier in the process that we need to address before moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Hopefully we're a little bit earlier in the process".

The New York Times

All these concerns should have been addressed much earlier in the process.

The Guardian

The Orphans First program, the department said, alerts parents to problems earlier in the process.

The New York Times

For "Hoopz," the change is being made much earlier in the process.

The New York Times

"What we're seeing is the debts being sued upon far earlier in the process.

The New York Times

Bauer did submit a bid earlier in the process, which formally remains on the table.

The Guardian

A few theater people have noted that projection design is being incorporated earlier in the process.

The New York Times

One of the plants develops its egg earlier in the process of flower bud development than the other.

The New York Times - Science

Having been told that the first time, I started thinking that way much earlier in the process.

The New Yorker

Some Iranian sources say the resolution will come earlier in the process, while the deal is still under legislative review.

The Guardian

For crucial positions, you still may want to decide to get involved earlier in the process to signal appreciation.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When revising a document, addressing structural issues "earlier in the process" saves time compared to focusing solely on minor edits.

Common error

Rushing through initial planning stages without considering downstream effects can lead to significant rework. Always evaluate how decisions made "earlier in the process" impact later phases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earlier in the process" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurred relative to the overall sequence of steps in a particular procedure or project. Ludwig provides examples of its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "earlier in the process" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a prior stage in a series of actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, including news, business, and science, to emphasize the importance of timing and prompt action. Understanding related phrases like "at an "earlier stage"" and avoiding common pitfalls—such as neglecting long-term implications during initial planning—can further refine your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sooner in the process

Emphasizes speed or timing relative to other actions, implying a preference for an earlier action.

at an earlier stage

Focuses on the specific part of a process that happened before the current one.

previously in the process

Highlights that something occurred at some undefined time before the present.

at the beginning of the process

Specifies that an action or event happened near the beginning, rather than generally sooner.

earlier on in the process

Offers a more informal or conversational way to express the original meaning.

in the initial phase

Highlights a specific phase and the first one.

in the preliminary stages

Suggests that the focus is on the very early, often preparatory, steps.

beforehand in the process

Emphasizes preparation or actions taken in advance.

ahead of time in the process

Similar to beforehand but often stresses planning and anticipation.

in the early going

Uses idiomatic language to indicate the initial stages of a process or endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "earlier in the process" in a sentence?

You can use "earlier in the process" to refer to a previous point in a series of actions or events. For example, "We identified the problem "earlier in the process", which helped us avoid further complications."

What is a good alternative to "earlier in the process"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at an "earlier stage"", "previously in the process", or "at the beginning of the process", depending on the specific context.

When is it best to address potential issues "earlier in the process"?

Addressing issues "earlier in the process" is generally preferable as it allows for more flexibility in making adjustments and avoids the accumulation of compounding problems. It's particularly important in project management, software development, and product design.

What does it mean to involve stakeholders "earlier in the process"?

Involving stakeholders "earlier in the process" means engaging them in the initial planning and decision-making phases of a project. This can lead to increased buy-in, better alignment of goals, and the identification of potential issues before they become critical.