ENGLISH
REFERENCE

earlier

adj.
A2 Elementary US //ˈɝɫiɝ// UK //ˈɜːlɪɐ// ear·li·er

adj. happening or existing before the present time or before a time you just mentioned. You use it to talk about a point in the past that came before another event.

adj. occurring or existing before a specified or implied time in the past. Functions as the comparative form of 'early', though often used as a standalone descriptor for previous events.


SIMPLE

The earlier train is usually less crowded.

CONTEXTUAL

We should refer to the earlier version of the contract to see what changed during the negotiations.

COMPLEX

While the later chapters focus on modern history, the earlier sections of the book provide a detailed account of the region's ancient tribal migrations.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; can also function as a predicative adjective following a linking verb.

Pitfall

more earlierearlierAs 'earlier' is already a comparative adjective, it should not be used with 'more'.

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