early this year vs Earlier this year

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Early this year' refers to the beginning of the current year, while 'earlier this year' refers to a point in time before the present moment within the current year.

Last updated: April 10, 2024 • 589 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to the beginning of the current year.

"early this year"

This phrase is used to indicate the early part of the current year, typically within the first few months.

Examples:

I started a new job early this year.
Early this year, we had a lot of snowfall.
Early this year, I made a resolution to exercise more.
I read a great book early this year.
Early this year, I visited my family in another state.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 02, 2024

Aug 8, 2024 ... Why is homecoming so early this year? Sports. Feels like it's always in October, September 14 feels super early. Upvote 23. Downvote
Jul 29, 2021 ... HI, What's the difference between the following sentences? a. The tree came into flower early this year. b. The tree came into flower early ...
Dec 14, 2016 ... 103K likes, 2243 comments - ryanlochte on December 14, 2016: "My Christmas gift came early this year, can't wait for next year!
Jul 29, 2021 ... One is more specific. Early this year means that the tree was in flower in a specific year. Whereas Early in the yeardoes not specify a year ...
Oct 13, 2023 ... 552 likes, 22 comments - daniellecell on October 13, 2023: "Christmas came early this year! ❤️ #whenyouknowyouknow".
Jun 26, 2019 ... Why I Ended My PCT Thru-Hike Early This Year · Hiking the PCT FAQs. Just like that, it's over. My PCT thru-hike did not go as planned this year ...
Nov 29, 2021 ... To answer your question, "early this year" is used to talk about the beginning of the year, such as time between the months of January, February ...
Apr 22, 2024 ... The Irises Are Blooming Early This Year. Posted on Monday, Apr 22 ... As I began, the irises are blooming early this year. Irises on the ...
May 12, 2024 ... Early this year I posted a celebratory message after seeing my first born son through matric successfully. I went on to acknowledge how ...
Jan 19, 2016 ... 'Three Ships' with its distinct sail-like petals always blooms by Christmas but was a few weeks early this year. . Galanthus 'Wasp'. 'Wasp ...

Alternatives:

at the beginning of this year
at the start of this year
at the commencement of this year
at the outset of this year
in the early part of this year

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to a point in time before the present moment within the current year.

"Earlier this year"

This phrase is used to refer to a time earlier in the current year, not necessarily at the very beginning.

Examples:

I had a different job earlier this year.
Earlier this year, I was traveling a lot for work.
I was more stressed earlier this year.
Earlier this year, I was focusing on my studies.
I had a health scare earlier this year.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jul 9, 2021 ... Earlier this year, the Governor requested CARB analyze pathways to phase out all oil extraction, focusing on benefits in disadvantaged ...
Earlier this year it rained a lot. I'm wondering if there's any difference between them.

Alternatives:

previously this year
before this year
prior to this year
earlier in the year
before now in this year

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