adjective comparative of early, occurring or done before the usual or expected time
adverb used to refer to a point or period of time before the present or before the one just mentioned
The earlier chapters of the novel set up the main conflict of the story.
In earlier times, people relied on oral traditions to pass down stories and information.
The earlier versions of the software had many bugs that were later fixed in updates.
The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more you will have in the future.
Students should review their notes from earlier in the semester to prepare for the final exam.
In the context of a writer, 'earlier' may refer to a previous point in a narrative or a previous time in a sequence of events.
A psychologist may use 'earlier' when discussing past experiences or events that have influenced a patient's current behavior or mental state.
Teachers may use 'earlier' when referring to a previous lesson or topic that was covered in class.
Lawyers may use 'earlier' when referencing a previous case or legal precedent that is relevant to the current situation.
Doctors may use 'earlier' when discussing a patient's medical history or previous symptoms.
Engineers may use 'earlier' when referring to a previous version of a design or a previous stage in a project.
Accountants may use 'earlier' when discussing previous financial records or transactions.
Architects may use 'earlier' when referring to a previous draft or iteration of a building design.
Chefs may use 'earlier' when discussing a previous step in a recipe or a previous cooking technique.
Entrepreneurs may use 'earlier' when referring to a previous business venture or a previous stage of company growth.