precede
verbto come before something in time or order
Precede: pre = before.
Precede vs proceed
Pre- means before. Pro- means forward. That is the whole trick.
2 wordsaudio · quiz
Quick answer
Precede means to come before something. Proceed means to go on or continue.
proceed
verbto go on, or to continue with something
Proceed: progress forward.
The difference at a glance
| Word | Type | Means | Example | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| precede | verb | to come before something in time or order | A short speech preceded the dinner. | |
| proceed | verb | to go on, or to continue with something | Please proceed to gate 12. |
See each one in a sentence
verb
precede
Examples
A short speech preceded the dinner.
Heavy rain preceded the flood.
Common mistake
Not: A speech proceeded the meal.
Say: A speech preceded the meal.
Coming before is precede.
verb
proceed
Examples
Please proceed to gate 12.
If there are no questions, we'll proceed with the vote.
Common mistake
Not: Please precede to the exit.
Say: Please proceed to the exit.
Moving forward is proceed.
Pick the right word
Fill the gap
Read the sentence, then choose the word that fits.
Now use them yourself
Write or say two sentences, one with each word, in a real conversation.