B1adverblanguage
US/ˈɜːr.li.ər/
UK/ˈɜː.li.ə/
at a time before now or before another time that has been mentioned
In context
As I said earlier, the meeting starts at nine o'clock.
She had left the office earlier than usual that day.
We met earlier this week to discuss the budget.
Words that go with earlier
verb + adverb
- mentioned earlierThe problem mentioned earlier is still not fixed.
- said earlierAs I said earlier, we need more time.
- arrive earlierTry to arrive earlier next time.
- leave earlierI need to leave earlier today.
- start earlierWe should start earlier to avoid the traffic.
- get up earlierShe decided to get up earlier to study.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I get up more early now.Correct: I get up earlier now.