sooner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sooner" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something will happen earlier than another event or time. Example: "I would prefer to finish this project sooner rather than later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No sooner had I got out of the car than Jane Scotter, who runs the farm with her partner Harry Astley, whisked me off to the bank of compost heaps.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His biggest strategic miscalculation was not to use the leverage he had over George Bush as the only substantial western ally to join the 2003 invasion – the "coalition of the willing" – to extract a better plan for the occupation of Saddam Hussein's ill-governed state once the fighting was over (even sooner than expected).

The Guardian

We have grown fast, and as an independent company that means we've had to go out and pitch for more investment sooner than expected, which takes up a lot of time.

The Guardian

"We're all gonna wind up in a very bad position one day sooner or later.

The Guardian - Film

It also forced graduates to pay back student loans sooner but extended fee help to non-university courses such as diplomas and associate degrees.

The Guardian

On a practical note, as below-the-line comments on the Shetland Times story explain, the SNP-inspired lynch mob which wants him out will tire sooner than he will.

The Guardian

Public consciousness, as well as opposition and outrage, will grow as the world's people, not just a handful of diplomats, can read the cables of "the embassy where all information about everything sooner or later arrives".

The Guardian - Opinion

As for all the plans to rebalance the economy, to change the Brits from savers and spenders … no sooner does the chancellor mouth them then they are as good as forgotten.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We would have ideally liked to be able to bid for the west coast sooner".

The Guardian - Business

I said, "I'm not going to push you like my father pushed me but the sooner you get to it, the faster you will create diamonds".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I thought what was unique about this is it's not my choice whether I want to buy a product to keep me healthy, but the cost that I am forcing on other people if I don't buy the product sooner rather than later.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sooner" in comparative constructions, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compared. For example, "I would like to finish the project sooner rather than later."

Common error

Avoid using "sooner" when simply indicating something happened early without a direct comparison. Instead of "He arrived sooner," consider "He arrived early" if there's no specific reference point for comparison.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sooner" is as a comparative adverb. It modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives to indicate that something happens or should happen at an earlier time. Ludwig examples show it frequently used to express preference or urgency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sooner" functions as a comparative adverb used to express that something happens or is desired to happen earlier. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, primarily appearing in news, formal business contexts and science. It effectively conveys a preference for early action or the benefits of timeliness. While "sooner" is versatile, it is important to use it correctly in comparative sentences and avoid misusing it in place of "early" in non-comparative contexts. The phrase "the sooner the better" is an idiomatic expression that emphasizes the urgency of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earlier

This is a direct synonym, indicating something happening before a specific time.

beforehand

Implies preparation or action taken in advance.

ahead of time

Similar to 'beforehand' but emphasizes timeliness.

previously

Indicates something that occurred at an earlier point in time.

at an earlier date

Formal way of saying something happened or will happen earlier.

in advance

Focuses on doing something before it's needed.

more quickly

Emphasizes the speed at which something occurs.

at the earliest

Highlights the minimum time required for something to happen.

in due course

Indicates something will happen when the time is right, but potentially earlier than some expectations.

with haste

Emphasizes urgency and speed in accomplishing a task

FAQs

How can I use "sooner" in a sentence?

You can use "sooner" to indicate a preference or that something happens earlier than expected. For example, "The sooner we start, the sooner we finish" or "I wish I had known about this sooner".

What is a synonym for "sooner"?

Synonyms for "sooner" include "earlier", "beforehand", or "previously". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the sooner the better"?

Yes, the phrase "the sooner the better" is a common and grammatically correct idiom. It expresses a desire for something to happen as quickly as possible.

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

"Sooner" is typically used in comparative contexts, implying a preference or a more desirable outcome if something happens earlier. "Earlier" simply refers to a time before a specific point without necessarily implying preference.