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Diamondrg Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
earlier or before
- I'm sorry for not telling you this before / earlier.
In this sentence, which is natural, "before" or "earlier"? or both? and is there a difference?
In this sentence, which is natural, "before" or "earlier"? or both? and is there a difference?
Top answer
I think both are reasonably common; I certainly say either. No difference in meaning.
- I think both are reasonably common; I certainly say either.
- No difference in meaning.
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4 Answers
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I think both are reasonably common; I certainly say either. No difference in meaning.
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Either is okay, but I'm so used to "before" used as a preposition that I tend to look for an object. "I'm sorry for not telling you this before (what?)."
I know "before" means earlier in time. That said, when you're referring to a measureable time, "earlier" in time is more descriptive. We don't put the cart before the horse, but we are sorry we didn't think of it earlier or sooner. Mayb
I know "before" means earlier in time. That said, when you're referring to a measureable time, "earlier" in time is more descriptive. We don't put the cart before the horse, but we are sorry we didn't think of it earlier or sooner. Mayb
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