How to Say "Earlier" in French

plus tôt

In French, the English phrase "earlier" is translated as plus tôt.

The phrase plus tôt is used as an adverb to mean previously, before now or sooner.

Meaning: previously, before now, sooner (adv)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of plus (more) and tôt (early), literally meaning "more early".

The word tôt actually has a connection to the concept of being 'toasted'. It derives from the Vulgar Latin word tostum, which originally meant something hot or promptly prepared.
Speakers must be careful not to confuse plus tôt with plutôt. While they sound the same, plutôt means 'rather' or 'instead'.
The phrase plus tôt behaves differently than the English 'earlier' when used as an adjective. To describe an 'earlier' date, French uses précédent rather than plus tôt.

J'ai appelé plus tôt.
I called earlier.
This sentence is useful for showing how to use plus tôt to describe a completed action like calling.
Tatoeba #4679063 by sacredceltic, translation #2245632 by CK
J'ai vu Tom plus tôt.
I saw Tom earlier.
This sentence is useful for showing how to use plus tôt with a person.
Tatoeba #5801868 by Toynop, translation #2261980 by CK
Tu aurais dû venir plus tôt.
You should have come earlier.
This sentence is useful for showing how to use plus tôt to express an obligation that should have happened in the past.
Tatoeba #335469 by TRANG, translation #16378 by CK
J'ai quitté le bureau plus tôt aujourd'hui pour une réunion cruciale.
I left the office earlier today for an important meeting.
206 more sentences on Tatoeba

Lucas and Emma are talking about a movie schedule in a cafe.

Lucas

Le film a commencé plus tôt ?
Did the movie start earlier?
Emma

Oui, il a commencé à dix-neuf heures.
Yes, it started at seven p.m.
Lucas

C'est dommage, je voulais venir plus tôt.
That's a shame, I wanted to come earlier.
Emma

On peut encore le voir demain.
We can still see it tomorrow.

Sources

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