Learn how to use the comparative “earlier” and superlative “earliest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “antemeridian”?

The comparative form of “antemeridian” is “earlier”.

Example

I woke up earlier today than I did yesterday.

Example

She finished her work earlier than expected.

What is the superlative form of “antemeridian”?

The superlative form of “antemeridian” is “earliest”.

Example

Among all the participants, she finished the earliest.

Example

He always wakes up the earliest in our household.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

"Earliest" and "earlier" are used to form the comparatives and superlatives of "antemeridian". The forms "earlier" and "the earliest" are commonly used to indicate a higher degree of earliness.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

"Antemeridian" does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the pattern of using "earlier" and "the earliest" for forming comparatives and superlatives.

Expressions with similar meanings to “earlier”

sooner

Used to indicate that something happens before a particular time or event.

Example

He arrived sooner than we thought he would.

previously

Used to describe something that occurred at an earlier time.

Example

I had met him previously at a conference.

Expressions with similar meanings to “earliest”

first

Used to describe something that occurs before anything else.

Example

She was the first to arrive at the party.

initially

Used to indicate that something happened at the beginning or start of a sequence.

Example

I initially thought it was a good idea.

Using than with comparative “earlier”

When using the comparative form "earlier" to compare two things, you would use "than" to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "I woke up earlier today than I did yesterday." Here, "than" is used to show that the time of waking up today is earlier than the time of waking up yesterday.

How can I use this expression in context?

“earlier” and “earliest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Time

  He always finishes work earlier than his colleagues.

  He always finishes work earlier than his colleagues.

• 2. Arrivals

  She arrived the earliest among all the guests.

  She arrived the earliest among all the guests.

• 3. Deadlines

  He submitted his assignment earlier than the others.

  He submitted his assignment earlier than the others.

• 4. Starts

  She started her presentation the earliest in the conference.

  She started her presentation the earliest in the conference.