Early or earlier

[tufguy]

Hi guys,

Please check. "I am doing these cases earlier today or early today"

"Our pick up will be done ten minutes early tommorow" or "earlier tomorrow". Could you please explain difference between early and earlier. Sorry for the mistake.

 

[emsr2d2]

You still messed up "earlier today or early today". Please click on "Edit Post" and correct that error.

 

[Raymott]

I'll answer because you're making an effort.
To use 'earlier', you need a specified time that the new time can be "earlier than".
"I'll pick it up early tomorrow." This could mean a lot things to different people.
"I'll pick it up earlier than 7am" or "... earlier than usual" is more specific. 'Earlier' is a comparative.

 

[tufguy]

Thankyou. So can I say "I am doing these things early today because I can't complete them at the end of the day" but "I am doing these things earlier than yesterday". "Your pick up will be done 10 minutes earlier" but "Your pick up will be done early tommorow". Am I correct?

 

[Raymott]

Yes, that is correct. But for your third sentence you still need a comparison, even if it's just understood by the hearer. "Your pick up will be done 10 minutes earlier [than usual]"

 

[tufguy]

So can I use "early" in third sentence if I do not compare it with any other day.