What is the comparative form of “early”?
The comparative form of “early” is “earlier”.Example
I woke up earlier than usual today.
Example
She arrived earlier than expected.
What is the superlative form of “early”?
The superlative form of “early” is “earliest”.Example
Among all the participants, she was the earliest to arrive.
Example
The earliest known evidence of human civilization dates back thousands of years.
Why is this expression not used with most, more?
'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with early, earlier, and earliest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more early' and 'most early' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, earlier and earliest are the correct and preferred forms to use.
Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?
Early does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Early → Earlier Superlative: Early → Earliest
Expressions with similar meanings to “earlier”
Used to describe something that happens before the expected or planned time
Example
He finished his work sooner than anticipated.
Used to indicate that something happened at a time before the present moment
Example
I had met her previously at a conference.
Similar to earlier, this word emphasizes that something happened before another event or time
Example
Please submit your report prior to the deadline.
Expressions with similar meanings to “earliest”
Used to describe something that happens before anything else
Example
He was the first person to arrive at the party.
Similar to earliest, this word emphasizes the beginning or starting point of something
Example
The initial stages of the project involved extensive research.
Used to describe something or someone that is at the forefront or leading position
Example
She is considered one of the foremost experts in her field.
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: "She arrived earlier than her friend." Here, than is used to show that the time of 'her' arrival is before the time of her friend's arrival.
How can I use this expression in context?
“earlier” and “earliest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.- 1Appointments
Please arrive earlier than the scheduled time.
Please arrive earlier than the scheduled time.
- 2Deadlines
He submitted his assignment earlier than the due date.
He submitted his assignment earlier than the due date.
- 3Historical Events
The earliest known civilization dates back thousands of years.
The earliest known civilization dates back thousands of years.
- 4Travel
She booked the earliest flight available.
She booked the earliest flight available.
- 5Meetings
He joined the conference call earlier than everyone else.
He joined the conference call earlier than everyone else.
Related idioms and phrases
Bright and early
To do something very early in the morning, typically at sunrise.
Example
We'll start our hike bright and early tomorrow.
The early bird catches the worm
The person who takes action or arrives first has the best chance of success.
Example
If you want to get a good seat, you should arrive early. Remember, the early bird catches the worm.
Better late than never
It's better to do something late than to not do it at all.
Example
Even though he missed the deadline, he still submitted his report. Better late than never.
