Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers:

(1) Tom came sooner than I thought.
(2) Tom came earlier than I thought.

I know (2)--For example--Tom's arrival time:7:00pm, my expectation time:8:00pm.

I am not sure about (1).

Thank you in advance.

[myprofe]

Sooner can be understood as in less time or shorter time, quicker. Sooner refers more to a period or length of time while earlier refers to a specific point in time.
_________________
I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!

[learner12]

Dear myprofe:

Thank you so much for your logical explanations.

Take care and have a nice day!!