early
Something that happens near the beginning of a period of time or before the expected time. It is commonly used to describe waking up, arriving at a location, or the first stages of an event.
Examples
3 of 5I usually wake up early to exercise before work.
I usually wake up early to exercise before work.
An early response to the invitation is greatly appreciated.
An early response to the invitation is greatly appreciated.
Let's meet early so we can get good seats.
Let's meet early so we can get good seats.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'E' in Early standing for 'E'ggs—you eat eggs early in the day for breakfast.
Quick Quiz
If you want to finish your work by 5 PM, you should start _____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: early
Examples
I usually wake up early to exercise before work.
everydayI usually wake up early to exercise before work.
An early response to the invitation is greatly appreciated.
formalAn early response to the invitation is greatly appreciated.
Let's meet early so we can get good seats.
informalLet's meet early so we can get good seats.
Early research suggests that the climate is changing rapidly.
academicEarly research suggests that the climate is changing rapidly.
We need an early start on this project to meet the deadline.
businessWe need an early start on this project to meet the deadline.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
The early bird catches the worm
The early bird catches the worm
Bright and early
Bright and early
Early on
Early on
Often Confused With
Early refers to a point in time relative to a schedule or start, whereas soon refers to a short time from now.
Usage Notes
Early functions as both an adjective and an adverb. You can say 'an early train' (adjective) or 'the train arrived early' (adverb).
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'more early' instead of the correct comparative form 'earlier'.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'E' in Early standing for 'E'ggs—you eat eggs early in the day for breakfast.
Word Origin
From the Old English 'ærlice', derived from 'ær' meaning 'soon' or 'before'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, arriving early for business appointments is a sign of respect and efficiency.
Quick Quiz
If you want to finish your work by 5 PM, you should start _____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: early
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More time words
contemporary
B2Refers to something that exists or happens in the present period of time. It can also describe people or things that live or exist during the same period as each other.
new
A1The word 'new' describes something that has been recently created, discovered, or built. It is also used to talk about things that you have just acquired or started, even if they existed before.
last
A1This word refers to something that comes after all others in a series or order. It can also describe the most recent time period, such as the previous week or year.
time
A1Time is the measurement of minutes, hours, days, and years. We use it to know when things happen or how long something lasts.
next
A1Refers to the person or thing that follows the one that is currently present or just mentioned. It is used to describe the sequence of events or positions in time and space.
year
A1A year is a period of time that lasts 365 days, or 366 days in a leap year. It represents the time it takes for the Earth to complete one full revolution around the Sun.
day
A1A day is a period of 24 hours, measured from one midnight to the next. It is also commonly used to describe the hours of light between sunrise and sunset.
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