earlier
earlier — 形容詞
1. used to describe something that happens, exists, or is done at a time before som
更早的
比另一時間更早發生的
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.
Aarav 搭了更早一班的火車，這樣他面試才不會遲到。
comparative adjective + noun: earlier train
The earlier version of the app had fewer features and more bugs.
這個應用程式的較早版本功能比較少，錯誤也比較多。
The earlier chapters of the book are much easier to read.
這本書的前面幾章讀起來容易很多。
Otis sent an earlier message, but Quinn did not see it until morning.
Otis 發了更早的一則訊息，但 Quinn 直到早上才看到。
- 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 — 副詞
1. at a time before the present moment, or before a particular point in time that h
較早；之前
在過去或此前某個時間點
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.
Élise 稍早提過她下週會出遠門。
common pattern: mentioned earlier / noted earlier / said earlier
Salma finished her homework an hour earlier than her brother.
Salma 比她的弟弟早一個小時寫完作業。
comparative adverb + than for time difference
The documents were sent out three days earlier than expected.
文件比預期早了三天寄出。
Hao had visited the museum earlier in the week with his cousin Vikram.
Hao 這週稍早跟他的表哥 Vikram 一起去過博物館。
- 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.