Earler vs. Earlier — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 27, 2024
Earler is the incorrect spelling of Earlier, which denotes a time before the present or a previous point in time.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Earler or Earlier
How to spell Earlier?
Earler
Incorrect Spelling
Earlier
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of the base word "early" and simply add an "-er."
Relate the word "earlier" to the phrase "early bird," both beginning with "earl."
Contrast with "later," where the "ear-" in "earlier" refers to the past.
Imagine reading a timeline from left to right with events marked as "earlier" events.
Associate "earlier" with "ear" as the beginning part to remember the spelling.
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How Do You Spell Earlier Correctly?
Incorrect: The meeting was moved to an earler date.
Correct: The meeting was moved to an earlier date.
Incorrect: She called me earler than expected.
Correct: She called me earlier than expected.
Incorrect: Can you come earler next time?
Correct: Can you come earlier next time?
Incorrect: I wish I had learned about this earler.
Correct: I wish I had learned about this earlier.
Incorrect: Earler, I forgot to set my alarm.
Correct: Earlier, I forgot to set my alarm.
Earlier Definitions
It sometimes means former or preceding.
The earlier decision was overturned.
Earlier can also be a comparative form of early.
I woke up earlier than usual today.
It indicates a comparison in terms of time.
Why didn't you tell me earlier?
Earlier can denote something being more initial or previous.
Her earlier works were more experimental.
Of or occurring near the beginning of a given series, period of time, or course of events
In the early morning.
Scored two runs in the early innings.
Of or belonging to a previous or remote period of time
The early inhabitants of the British Isles.
Of or belonging to an initial stage of development
An early form of life.
An early computer.
Occurring, developing, or appearing before the expected or usual time
An early spring.
An early retirement.
Maturing or developing relatively soon
An early variety of tomato.
Occurring in the near future
Hoped for an early end to the negotiations.
Near the beginning of a given series, period of time, or course of events
Departed early in the day.
Scored important victories early in the campaign.
At or near the beginning of the morning
She never used to get up so early.
At or during a remote or initial period
Decided very early to go into medicine.
Before the expected or usual time
Arrived at the meeting a few minutes early.
Soon in relation to others of its kind
A rose that was cultivated to bloom early.
Occurring previously
I shall be late because I missed the earlier train.
Previously; before now; sooner
I shall be late because I didn't start earlier.
They were looking for some measuring equipment they had placed in the ice earlier. File:They were looking for some measuring equipment they had placed in the ice earlier.ogg
Occurring at a prior time; as, on earlier occasions.
(comparative and superlative of `early') more early than; most early;
A fashion popular in earlier times
His earlier work reflects the influence of his teacher
Verdi's earliest and most raucous opera
Earlier in time; previously;
I had known her before
As I said before
He called me the day before but your call had come even earlier
Her parents had died four years earlier
I mentioned that problem earlier
Comparatives of `soon' or `early';
Come a little sooner, if you can
Came earlier than I expected
Before now;
Why didn't you tell me in the first place?
Earlier refers to a point in time before a certain moment.
We met earlier in the week.
Earlier Meaning in a Sentence
I woke up earlier than usual today.
The sun rises earlier in the summer than in the winter.
She finished her homework earlier and had time to watch a movie.
My brother arrived earlier to help set up for the party.
We need to leave earlier to avoid traffic.
The flowers bloomed earlier this year due to the warm weather.
He managed to complete the project earlier than the deadline.
Class ended earlier than expected, giving us extra free time.
The store opens earlier during the holiday season.
The new version of the game was released earlier than announced.
Birds start singing earlier in the morning during spring.
I always try to arrive at appointments earlier than necessary.
Our favorite restaurant starts serving dinner earlier on weekends.
She discovered the error earlier and corrected it.
Common Curiosities
What is the verb form of Earlier?
Earlier is not derived from a verb; it's a comparative form of the adjective "early."
What is the pronunciation of Earlier?
It is pronounced as /ˈɜːrliər/.
Which vowel is used before Earlier?
The word "an" (which isn't strictly a vowel but functions as a placeholder for one) can be used before words starting with vowel sounds, such as "an earlier time."
What is the plural form of Earlier?
Earlier doesn't have a plural form.
What is the root word of Earlier?
The root word is "early."
Which preposition is used with Earlier?
Commonly "than" as in "earlier than expected," but others can be used based on context.
Is Earlier a negative or positive word?
It's neutral; the connotation depends on context.
Why is it called Earlier?
It's called "earlier" as it denotes a time or sequence before the reference point.
What is the singular form of Earlier?
Earlier itself is in singular form.
Which article is used with Earlier?
Both "a" and "an" can be used, depending on the subsequent noun. E.g., "an earlier date" or "a time earlier."
Is Earlier an adverb?
Yes, as in "Come earlier next time."
Which determiner is used with Earlier?
Any determiner can be used depending on context; commonly "this," "that."
Which conjunction is used with Earlier?
Any conjunction can be used depending on the sentence; "and" and "but" are common.
Is Earlier a vowel or consonant?
It's a word, not a single letter, so neither.
What is another term for Earlier?
Before or previously.
Is Earlier a collective noun?
No, it's not a collective noun.
Is the Earlier term a metaphor?
No, it's not a metaphor.
Is the word “Earlier” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can serve as neither; it's mainly an adjective or adverb.
How do we divide Earlier into syllables?
It's divided as Ear-li-er.
What is the second form of Earlier?
Not applicable, as "earlier" isn't derived from a verb.
Is Earlier a noun or adjective?
Earlier can function as an adjective or adverb.
Is Earlier an abstract noun?
No, it's not an abstract noun.
Is Earlier a countable noun?
Earlier is primarily an adjective or adverb, not a noun.
Is the word Earlier a gerund?
No, it's not a gerund.
What part of speech is Earlier?
It can be an adjective or an adverb.
What is the opposite of Earlier?
Later.
What is the first form of Earlier?
Earlier is not derived from a verb so it doesn't have verb forms. The base adjective is "early."
What is the third form of Earlier?
Not applicable, as "earlier" isn't derived from a verb.
How is Earlier used in a sentence?
I had seen him earlier at the market.
Is the word Earlier imperative?
No, it's not imperative.
How many syllables are in Earlier?
There are three syllables.
What is a stressed syllable in Earlier?
The first syllable "Ear" is stressed.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
