earlier this time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earlier this time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous occurrence or event that happened at an earlier point in the current timeframe being discussed. Example: "We finished the project earlier this time compared to last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Tech

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It's too early to start that, Laws says, but they will probably start earlier this time.

The Guardian

That and the frustration in Nagano have ignited the anxiety earlier this time.

The New York Times - Sports

The lead came earlier this time, only six minutes from the start.

Independent

PES 2016 arrives slightly earlier this time around, and there's no doubt it is a very solid football game.

The Guardian - Tech

That experience taught him to start his rehabilitation program earlier this time, which bodes well for the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

But later that night, the familiar routine of enduring shelling got under way — a little earlier this time, at 11.11 P.M.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Some employees are getting bonuses early this time.

The New York Times

There was no moving early this time — or quitting late.

The New York Times - Sports

I'll just get out early this time.

The New York Times

You really need to get an early start; the sun sets early this time of year.

The New York Times

For the second straight game, the Heat pounced early, this time taking a 17-point lead in the first half.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earlier this time" to clearly indicate a comparison with a previous occurrence within the same context or timeframe, making sure the reference point is obvious to your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "earlier this time" if the comparison isn't clearly established or if the timeframe is ambiguous. For instance, don't use it if there's no prior mention of a similar event or situation to which you're comparing the current one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earlier this time" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a temporal relationship by specifying that an event occurred sooner relative to a previous instance. It is used to provide a comparative element within a narrative or description. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Tech

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "earlier this time" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate a comparison in timing between two events, where the current event happened sooner than a previous one. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While relatively rare, it appears across different contexts like news, sports, and technology. To use it effectively, ensure a clear point of comparison exists and that the comparison adds meaningful context for the reader. Common errors to avoid include using the phrase when no clear prior event exists for comparison. Alternatives include "sooner on this occasion" or "previously in this instance", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sooner than before this round

Explicitly compares to a previous time while replacing "time" with "round", indicating a specific iteration.

sooner on this occasion

Replaces "earlier" with "sooner" and "time" with "occasion", focusing on the temporal aspect of the event.

before the usual time today

Specifies it is before the typical time, adding "today" for immediacy.

previously in this instance

Substitutes "earlier" with "previously" and "time" with "instance", highlighting the specific occurrence.

in the first instance this time

Emphasizes the starting point, adding slight formality.

before now on this occasion

Adds "before now" for emphasis while replacing "time" with "occasion", increasing the descriptive nature.

ahead of schedule this round

Focuses on being ahead of schedule, replacing "time" with "round", indicating a specific iteration.

in advance this go-around

Emphasizes being in advance, substituting "time" with the more informal "go-around".

at an early stage this iteration

Highlights an early stage, replacing "time" with "iteration", implying a process.

promptly this instance

Replaces "earlier" with promptly, emphasizing quickness of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "earlier this time" to indicate that something happened sooner than it did in a previous instance. For example, "The meeting started "earlier this time", allowing us to cover more agenda items."

What are some alternatives to "earlier this time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "sooner on this occasion", "previously in this instance", or "before now on this occasion", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "early this time" instead of "earlier this time"?

While "early this time" is grammatically correct, it lacks the comparative element present in "earlier this time". "Earlier this time" explicitly references a previous occurrence, making it more precise when a comparison is intended.

What's the difference between "earlier this time" and "earlier than usual"?

"Earlier this time" implies a comparison to a specific past event. "Earlier than usual", on the other hand, compares the event to a general norm or expectation rather than a specific instance.