we are earlier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are earlier" is grammatically correct but may not be commonly used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the speaker and others have arrived or completed something before a specified time or event. Example: "We are earlier than expected, so we can take some time to relax before the meeting starts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We are earlier in time at the end of the book than at the start, but it is not because of flashbacks.

The New York Times - Books

Yes, we are!" Earlier, in an interview with US network NBC, Mr Romney said London's difficulties with security guards and threats of border staff strikes were "obviously... not something which is encouraging".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"But we are early adopters.

The New Yorker

"We are early," I say.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are early in the virtual reality game.

TechCrunch

"I still think we are early in the process," said Chopard.

TechCrunch

We are early mornings on campus.

Huffington Post

We are early enough in the season for it to still feel magical.

Huffington Post

We are early, it's certainly not a guarantee," Kurth said.

Los Angeles Times

It happened in the office where we were earlier.

Independent

Get back to where we were earlier in season.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider using more common alternatives like "we arrived early" or "we are ahead of schedule" unless you specifically want to emphasize a broader sense of being in advance.

Common error

Avoid using "we are earlier" without a clear point of comparison. Saying simply "we are earlier" can leave the listener wondering what you are earlier than. Always specify the expected time or benchmark to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are earlier" primarily functions as a statement indicating being ahead of a planned schedule or time. It serves to inform that a group is in advance, as Ludwig AI indicates, though the phrasing itself is not very frequent.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are earlier" is a grammatically correct but somewhat uncommon way of expressing that a group is ahead of schedule or has arrived before the expected time. While Ludwig AI notes its grammaticality, it's less frequent than alternatives like "we arrived early" or "we are ahead of schedule". When using this phrase, ensure to make clear to what point of comparison you are referring. Its primary usage is in news and media contexts, with neutral formality. To avoid confusion, consider using more common and explicit alternatives unless aiming for a particular emphasis on being in advance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are earlier than expected

Explicitly states that the timing is ahead of what was anticipated.

we arrived early

Focuses specifically on the act of arriving before the expected time.

we are ahead of schedule

Emphasizes being in advance of the planned timeline.

we are in advance

Similar to ahead of schedule but more succinct.

we are before time

Highlights being before the designated time.

we are premature

Implies something is happening sooner than it should be.

we are at an early stage

Indicates being at the beginning of a process or development.

we are at the beginning

A more general way of stating that something is in its initial phase.

we are at an initial point

Similar to "we are at an early stage" but emphasizes a specific point rather than a broader phase.

we are starting early

Focuses on the act of initiating something sooner than anticipated.

FAQs

What does "we are earlier" mean?

The phrase "we are earlier" means that the speaker and a group are ahead of schedule or have arrived before a designated time. It implies a comparison to a planned or expected time.

How can I use "we are earlier" in a sentence?

You can use it to express that you and others are ahead of schedule, for example, "We are earlier than expected, so we have time to relax before the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "we are earlier"?

Alternatives include "we arrived early", "we are ahead of schedule", or "we are before time", depending on the context.

Is "we are earlier" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we are earlier" is grammatically correct, although less common than alternatives like "we arrived early" or "we are ahead of schedule". It's important to provide context for the comparison to make the meaning clear.