"done it before" vs "done it sooner"

Question

"done it before" vs "done it sooner"

The phrases 'done it sooner' and 'done it before' have different meanings and are not directly comparable. 'Done it sooner' implies completing a task earlier than expected, while 'done it before' simply means completing a task at some point in the past. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the specific context and the intended meaning.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to express that something was completed at an earlier time, without specifying how much earlier.

Examples:

I have done it before, so I know what to expect.
She had done it before, but this time it was different.
He promised he would have it done before the deadline.
Have you done it before?
They had done it before they realized the consequences.

Alternatives:

completed it previously
finished it earlier
accomplished it in the past
acted before
executed it previously

This phrase is used to express that something was completed earlier than anticipated or at an earlier time than originally planned.

Examples:

I wish I had done it sooner.
If only I had done it sooner, we wouldn't be in this mess.
He should have done it sooner to avoid the rush.
She regretted not having done it sooner.
They could have done it sooner if they had known.

Alternatives:

completed it earlier
finished it sooner
accomplished it sooner
acted sooner
executed it sooner

Answer 1

done it before

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate completing a task at some point in the past.

Answer 2

done it sooner

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate completing a task earlier than expected.

"done it before" vs "done it sooner"

done it before

done it sooner

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