earlier than this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earlier than this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a point in time that precedes the current moment or a specific reference point in a discussion. Example: "The meeting was scheduled for 3 PM, but I would prefer to discuss the agenda earlier than this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Barrow would have lent on her harder and earlier than this.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Don't art academics study any history earlier than this before they do a PhD on the Fluxus movement?

The Guardian - Opinion

Some areas, including the location of Scott Reef, would likely experience annual bleaching between five and 15 years earlier than this.

The Guardian

Showing the last ten years' experience on your CV is generally sufficient, so you don't need to explain gaps earlier than this.

The Guardian

He reworked it several times, renaming it "The Sleeper" in 1841, but no version is thought to be earlier than this one.

The New York Times - Arts

However, in a practical sense, the end of the periodic table will come much earlier than this because of nuclear instability (perhaps around Z = 120).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Cases of norovirus shot up earlier than expected this winter across Europe.

Independent

He actually started throwing earlier than usual this winter, just to get his arm used to the activity again.

The New York Times - Sports

An HPA spokeswoman said cases of norovirus had risen earlier than expected this season, a trend seen across Europe and other parts of the world.

The Guardian

On the sex front, I gave Elizabeth an all-female kiss, but I got Margaret home safely earlier than in this film.

The Guardian - Film

If a transaction is finished earlier than expected, this can only slightly increase its value.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earlier than this" to clearly establish a chronological sequence or comparison point in your writing. It helps the reader understand the timeline of events or developments you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "earlier than this" without a clear and immediate reference point. Ensure the reader knows exactly what "this" refers to in order to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earlier than this" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, indicating that something occurred or existed before a specified point. As supported by Ludwig, it modifies a verb, clause, or sentence to provide temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earlier than this" is a versatile tool for establishing chronological order in various forms of writing. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in English. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and general contexts, marking a time before a specific reference point. While grammatically sound, ensure that the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity. For more formal settings, alternatives like "prior to this" may be preferable. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "earlier than this" to enhance the clarity and flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to this

Emphasizes precedence in a more formal or technical context.

before this time

Explicitly refers to a point in time before the one being discussed.

previous to this

Highlights that something occurred in advance of the current subject.

preceding this

Suggests a direct sequence where one event comes immediately before another.

in advance of this

Indicates preparation or anticipation before the reference point.

ahead of this

Implies being further along in time relative to "this".

sooner than this

Focuses specifically on time and the promptness of an event.

up until now

Implies a duration up to the present moment.

before now

A simpler, more direct way to express something happened in the past.

in the past

General reference to an unspecified time before the present.

FAQs

How can I use "earlier than this" in a sentence?

You can use "earlier than this" to refer to a point in time or a stage that precedes the one currently being discussed. For example, "The deadline was initially set for Friday, but we need the report submitted "earlier than this"."

What are some alternatives to "earlier than this"?

Some alternatives include "prior to this", "before this time", or "previously", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "prior to this" or "earlier than this"?

Prior to this is generally considered more formal than "earlier than this", which is suitable for most general contexts.

Can "earlier than this" be used in contexts other than time?

While primarily used for time, "earlier than this" can also be used to refer to stages or conditions preceding the current one. For example, "The prototype was functional, but we had several iterations "earlier than this" that didn't work."