earlier
earlier — adjective
1. used to describe something that happens, exists, or is done at a time before som
used to describe something that happens, exists, or is done at a time before something else — for example, an earlier train, an earlier attempt, or an earlier generation.
Aarav caught an earlier train so he would not be late for the interview.
comparative adjective + noun: earlier train
The earlier version of the app had fewer features and more bugs.
The earlier chapters of the book are much easier to read.
Otis sent an earlier message, but Quinn did not see it until morning.
- later
the direct opposite in time comparison
文法句型
earlier + noun
earlier + than + noun phrase
用法筆記
Already contains the comparative meaning — do NOT add 'more'. 'More earlier' is a common error among learners. Use 'earlier' directly before the noun (an earlier meeting) or with 'than' (an earlier date than planned).
常見錯誤
earlier — adverb
1. at a time before the present moment, or before a particular point in time that h
at a time before the present moment, or before a particular point in time that has already been mentioned; previously.
Élise mentioned earlier that she would be away next week.
common pattern: mentioned earlier / noted earlier / said earlier
Salma finished her homework an hour earlier than her brother.
comparative adverb + than for time difference
The documents were sent out three days earlier than expected.
Hao had visited the museum earlier in the week with his cousin Vikram.
- before
simpler and more conversational; 'before' can also be a preposition
- previously
more formal, common in writing, reports, and official statements
- sooner
emphasises the time gap rather than the sequence; 'sooner than expected'
- later
direct opposite when comparing time points
文法句型
verb + earlier
earlier + than + time reference
earlier + in + noun phrase
as + subject + mentioned/said/noted + earlier
用法筆記
Common in writing and speech to refer back to a point already introduced. When used as a sentence adverb (as mentioned earlier / as noted earlier), it connects the current statement to a previous part of the same conversation or text.