Earlier: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to an event or time that happened before the current moment, often in the same day or near past.

• I finished the report earlier today
• Earlier, she mentioned she would be late

Used when something is done or occurs before a specific event or situation, often to prepare or plan ahead.

• Please let me know beforehand if you'll be attending the meeting
• She cooked dinner beforehand to save time

Used to indicate something that happened at an undefined time in the past, typically further back than 'earlier'.

• He was previously employed at a tech company
• Previously, we had never discussed this issue

Typically used formally to indicate something that happened before another event or time; often used in official or written contexts.

• The meeting was rescheduled due to a prior engagement
• She had no prior experience in the field

To indicate something that happened before a specific point in time, often used in comparison to the current moment or another event.

• She arrived earlier than expected
• I mentioned this earlier in the meeting

To indicate something that occurred before a particular event or time, often emphasizing the order or sequence, also used in formal contexts.

• He had no prior experience in this field
• Prior to the meeting, we reviewed the documents

To refer to something or someone in the past, typically contrasted with the current situation or another item/person. Often used to talk about positions, titles, or relationships.

• He is the former president of the company
• In his former job, he traveled a lot

To denote something that happened before the current one, commonly used in sequences like events, jobs, or instances.

• My previous job was more stressful
• The answer to the previous question was correct

This word is used when referring to something that happened before the present time, often with a focus on a specific point or period. It can be used in both informal and formal contexts.

• She mentioned it earlier today.
• I finished my work earlier than expected.

Use this in formal and informal contexts to talk about something that happened at an unspecified time before the current moment. Often used in writing or storytelling.

• He had previously worked in the same company.
• The building was previously a library.

This is used when referring to something that happened before a particular event or time. It often implies preparation or planning and is common in both formal and informal situations.

• Make sure you prepare everything beforehand.
• We should have been informed about this beforehand.

This term is typically used in formal contexts to indicate something that happened before another event. Often found in legal, business, or academic settings.

• You need to have prior approval for this.
• She had no prior experience in the field.