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Napoleonponapa Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Earlier this month and early this month

1) Earlier this month, many staff were laid off.

2) Early this month, many staff were laid off.

Which one is grammatically corret? and what are the differences between them?

Thanks
  

Top answer

Both are correct. One (early) is an absolute time reference, the other (earlier) is a relative time reference.

— AlpheccaStars

  • Both are correct.
  • One (early) is an absolute time reference, the other (earlier) is a relative time reference.
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5 Answers
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Both are correct.
One (early) is an absolute time reference, the other (earlier) is a relative time reference.
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Thanks alot:

But which one " early " or "earlier" is closer to beginning of the month?

Eg. from 1st to 10th is in earlier timeframe and from 11th to 25st is in early timeframe?

Thanks
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Well, it all depends.

For example, suppose today is 3 June, 2009.
I say "earlier this month" - that means that there are only 2 possible days that qualify - the 1st and the 2nd.

Suppose it is June 28, 2009 when I say "earlier this month." Then it could be anytime from June 1 to June 27.

If I say "early this month", it is impossible to define a precise time, some p
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You haven't read or understood the earlier explanation. Read and try again!
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Earlier this month, many staff were laid off.
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