Definitions
- Referring to a time that is before the present moment. - Talking about an event or action that occurred before another event or action. - Describing a situation where something happened sooner than expected.
- Referring to a time that is in the near future. - Talking about an event or action that will occur before another event or action. - Describing a situation where something will happen earlier than expected.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to time.
- 2Both words can be used as adverbs or adjectives.
- 3Both words express the idea of something happening before or after a certain point in time.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Earlier refers to a time that has already passed, while sooner refers to a time that is yet to come.
- 2Direction: Earlier looks back in time, while sooner looks forward in time.
- 3Expectation: Earlier implies that something happened before it was expected, while sooner implies that something will happen before it was expected.
- 4Degree: Sooner emphasizes a greater sense of urgency or importance than earlier.
- 5Comparison: Sooner is often used in comparisons, while earlier is not.
Remember this!
Earlier and sooner are synonyms that both refer to time, but they differ in their usage, direction, expectation, degree, and comparison. Earlier looks back in time and implies that something happened before it was expected, while sooner looks forward in time and implies that something will happen before it was expected. Sooner also emphasizes a greater sense of urgency or importance than earlier, and is often used in comparisons.
