What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
previous
Example
I met him on the previous day. [previous: adjective]
Example
The previous chapter discussed the history of the topic. [previous: adjective]
Example
The previous manager left the company last year. [previous: adjective]
earlier
Example
I woke up earlier than usual today. [earlier: adverb]
Example
She had visited the museum earlier in the week. [earlier: adverb]
Example
He finished his work earlier than his colleagues. [earlier: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Earlier is more commonly used than previous in everyday language. Earlier is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while previous is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between previous and earlier?
Previous is often used in formal or technical contexts, while earlier is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
