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a little early vs a little earlier

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A little early' indicates that something is happening slightly before the expected time, while 'a little earlier' is used to refer to an action or event that occurred at a slightly earlier time than another action or event.
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Explained by Vince
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: August 06, 2024 • 36288 views

a little early

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is happening slightly before the expected time.

This phrase is used to describe an action or event that is happening a bit sooner than anticipated.

Examples:

  • We arrived a little early for the meeting.
  • She always wakes up a little early to have some quiet time before the day starts.
  • It's a little early to make a decision about the project.
  • He finished his work a little early today.
  • The bus arrived a little early, so we didn't have to wait long.
  • Sep 9, 2024 ... Went on a little early fall adventure after the Pats game yesterday. Loving these September days!
  • 3 days ago ... This is a little early, but... BALANCE NOT INTENDED. A set of cards ...
  • A Little Early with Expecting Plus NICU Web App LMS provides an evidence-based, interactive patient education program for parents with a baby in the NICU.
  • Sep 8, 2021 ... Might be a little early to start making predictions but I'm pretty sure the next trailer is gonna have something everyone can agree on..
  • A little early risk goes a long bad way: Adverse childhood experiences and life-course offending in the Cambridge study. Author links open overlay panel
  • Happy December! I have a little early Christmas present for you guys!!! Tune in to Paramount Network on 12/12 to see a Nashville Country Christmas!!!! I...
  • Jun 26, 2024 ... It's a little early to get excited about United States Military Academy at West Point football, but this dad will make it happen.
  • Jul 1, 2024 ... 1607 likes, 405 comments - averiharper on July 1, 2024: "Our darling daughter Saige made her debut a little early! 6.26 ".
  • 16 hours ago ... Bungie says Marathon "on track", but "a little early to show" in first developer update. Will "reveal a lot more" next year. Marathon concept ...
  • Nov 22, 2023 ... 5625 likes, 42 comments - evachen212 on November 22, 2023: "It's a little early for a "best moments of 2023" post but I can unequivocally ...

Alternatives:

  • slightly early
  • a bit early
  • a tad early
  • a touch early
  • a smidge early

a little earlier

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to an action that occurred at a slightly earlier time than another action.

This phrase is used to compare the timing of two actions, indicating that one happened slightly before the other.

Examples:

  • She left a little earlier than usual today.
  • Could you please come a little earlier tomorrow?
  • I wish I had woken up a little earlier to catch the sunrise.
  • He finished his homework a little earlier than his classmates.
  • The train arrived a little earlier than expected.
  • Feb 19, 2019 ... Or "I apologize I couldn't send you my application a little earlier"? Is there a difference in meaning between "sooner" and "earlier"? I ...
  • Jul 18, 2024 ... Good morning! In a little earlier to fill in on the 8am show! I'll also see you at 11am and 3pm today on FOX10 News! Turn your TV on!
  • Jul 21, 2022 ... Posting this a little earlier than on my Instagram page. Here minifg 3/30: Crystalline Jay + Crystallized Nunchucks of Lightning.
  • Nov 2, 2020 ... At work a little earlier than normal today as we rehearse for CBS Denver Election Night Coverage! We look forward to being your station for ...
  • Jun 20, 2023 ... 1356 likes, 16 comments - kylieclimbs on June 20, 2023: "Back home a little earlier than expected. Nevertheless, I had a lot of fun in ...
  • Sep 20, 2024 ... Brandon Trammell (@trammelltribe). 64 Replies. 303 Likes. Starbucks update: I went in to get my coffee a little earlier than normal this ...
  • May 2, 2020 ... Is it okay to break fast a little earlier during intermittent fasting? I'm doing the 16-8 intermittent fasting. Break fast at 12 and stop at ...
  • Sep 14, 2021 ... I wish I met some people a little earlier, some a little later & some never at all.

Alternatives:

  • slightly earlier
  • a bit earlier
  • a tad earlier
  • a touch earlier
  • a smidge earlier

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