What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sooner
Example
I'd like to leave sooner than planned to avoid traffic. [sooner: adverb]
Example
The storm will arrive sooner than we thought. [sooner: adverb]
Example
You should start studying for the exam sooner rather than later. [sooner: adverb]
before
Example
I had breakfast before coming to work. [before: preposition]
Example
She finished her homework before watching TV. [before: conjunction]
Example
Please submit your report before the deadline. [before: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Before is more commonly used than sooner in everyday language. Before is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sooner is less common and is usually used to describe a specific event.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sooner and before?
Both sooner and before are considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
