earlier that year

Question

Hi teachers,I'am still cery confused about the use of earlier/later + this/that year(month,Spring...).Please help me understand the phrases in bold in the below sentences:a/Later that year he was made captain.When exactly  was he made captain ?b/He was attacked by a crocodile on Sunday .His body was recovered later on Sunday.When exactly was his body recovered?c/ Vietnam airlaines had to carry passengers on this route earlier last year.When exactly did Vietnam airlaines have to carry passengers on this route ?d/The detectives left the airport earlier this evening .When exactly did the detectives leave the airport?Thank you in advance

Cool Breeze · Accepted Answer

We cannot possibly know when exactly something happened if it isn't mentioned. I believe the airline is Vietnam Airlines, isn't it?
CB

Avangi · Answer

These expressions are not intended for use when an exact time is known, or should be indicated. If I had to try to pin it down, I'd say approximately ten percent of the selected unit, before or after the previously referenced time.

a/ We were proud when he won the big game for us in early (1) May / (2) September. Later that year, he was made captain. (He was made captain in late (1) June / (2) October.) But in all honesty it could have been any time after the reference event, which is conspicuously absent in your example.

b/ a couple hours after he was attacked, OR any time Sunday after the attack, unless there's context to indicate it was during daylight hours.

c/ during a period of time ending a month or two before this statement was made, and beginning a couple of months before that, or possibly at the beginning of the year.

d/ An hour or two before this statement was made, but probaby later than six o'clock (evening).

Sometimes we can't resist "picturing" a certain time when we hear these statements, but we must be careful not to make book on it.

- A.

CalifJim · Answer

TuongvanLater that year he was made captain.
When exactly was he made captain ?

Which part of which year are you talking about to begin with? No date is mentioned by which we can reckon later.

The full meaning of later that year is later than the date mentioned but still within the same year.

TuongvanHe was attacked by a crocodile on Sunday .His body was recovered later on Sunday. When exactly was his body recovered?

His body was recovered later than the time he was attacked, but still within the same Sunday.

TuongvanVietnam airlaines had to carry passengers on this route earlier last year.
When exactly did Vietnam airlaines have to carry passengers on this route ?

This one is a little ambiguous. I'm assuming that the departure time was earlier in the day last year compared to its departure time this year.

TuongvanThe detectives left the airport earlier this evening .
When exactly did the detectives leave the airport?

They left at some time previous to the time at which this sentence is uttered, but still within the same evening.
CJ

Tuongvan · Answer

Thank you Avangi and Califjim very much

By the way ,could you possibly tell me what the phrase "make book on it" mean?

Avangi · Answer

A "bookmaker," or a "bookie," is someone who takes bets on sporting events or just about anything else, usually under the table.  I meant, "don't stake any money on it," or "don't place a bet on it."

earlier that year

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