Precede vs Proceed: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Precede" means to come before, while "proceed" is used to mean to continue or to move forward.
Memory Tip: precede = before, proceed = move forward
precede starts with /priː/, proceed starts with /prə/
precede
verbTo precede means to come before something in time, order, or position.
Example:
Although the new policy has been implemented, it was preceded by months of intense debate and discussion.
Common patterns:
precede a decision
precede an event
precede with caution
proceed
verbTo proceed means to continue or move forward with a particular action or process after a pause or interruption.
Example:
Although the project has faced several challenges, it has been proceeding smoothly over the past few months, and we expect it to be completed on time.
Common patterns:
proceed with
proceed to
proceed in
Common Mistakes
The meeting will proceed the lunch break.
The meeting will precede the lunch break.
The meeting comes before the lunch break, so 'precede' is correct.
Please precede to the next step after completing this one.
Please proceed to the next step after completing this one.
You are moving forward to the next step, so 'proceed' is correct.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse precede / proceed again
Practice confusing word pairs with your daily goal in the Vocab5000 app and learn them for good with a scientifically proven repetition system. Start for free now.
