What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
precede
Example
The appetizers will precede the main course. [precede: verb]
Example
The president's motorcade will precede the parade. [precede: verb]
Example
The invention of the printing press preceded the internet. [preceded: past tense]
predate
Example
Dinosaurs predate humans by millions of years. [predate: verb]
Example
The ancient ruins predate the modern city. [predate: verb]
Example
The fossil record shows that some species predate others. [predate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Precede is more common than predate in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between precede and predate?
Both precede and predate are formal words that can be used in academic or professional writing.
