When to use proceed versus precede

What does “proceed” mean?

“Proceed” is a verb that means to move forward or continue with a course of action. It implies taking steps forward, either physically or metaphorically. For example, when you proceed with a plan, you are carrying it out or advancing toward a goal. In a legal context, “proceed” is often used to refer to the continuation of a legal case or process. Additionally, the plural version of the noun “proceeds” also refers to the amount of money received in revenue or donations.

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What does “precede” mean?

On the other hand, “precede” is also a verb, but it means to come before something else in time, order, or rank. It denotes an action or event that happens before another. For example, if event A precedes event B, it means that event A occurs before event B in a sequence. In a sentence, you might say, “The appetizers precede the main course at dinner.”

Distinguishing between “precede” versus “proceed”

The key distinction between “proceed” and “precede” lies in their meanings and usage:

• “Proceed” refers to moving forward or continuing with an action.
• “Precede” refers to coming before something else in time, order, or rank.

To showcase the difference, see the following examples:

• Proceed: “After discussing the matter, they decided to proceed with the project.”
• Precede: “The sunrise precedes the dawn, painting the sky with vibrant colors.”

Now that you understand the difference between “proceed” and “precede,” it’s easy to distinguish between them in writing. In a speech or conversation, pay close attention to the context it’s being used in. Is the person referencing a future action? Are they establishing the order of events and ones that have already happened? It’s an easy mistake to get confused by malapropisms or words with similar sounds. But, by paying close attention to how each word is used, you’ll be able to tell the difference.

When to use “proceed” versus “precede”

When you are using “proceed” and “precede” in sentence construction, it’s important to keep their usage in mind for clear communication. Here are some guidelines:

• Use “proceed” when indicating the act of moving forward, continuing, or advancing with a plan, action, or process.
• Use “precede” when describing something that comes before another thing in a sequence, order, or rank.

If you’re not sure, think about the order of events. If you’re talking about things happening one after another, like in a timeline or process, use “precede.” But if you’re talking about continuing with a plan or action, use “proceed.”

While “proceed” and “precede” may sound similar, they have distinct meanings and usage in the English language. By understanding the difference between these two words and when to use them appropriately, you can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing. To understand the difference between malapropisms, eggcorns, and other language snafus, learn more writing tips.