The difference between precede and proceed (grammar lesson)


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To precede means 'to come before' (usually in time). To proceed means 'to go forwards' or 'to continue'.

The words 'precede' and 'proceed' sound quite similar, and writers some sometimes confuse them. However, their meanings are quite different.

Precede

The verb 'to precede' means 'to come before' (usually in time).

Examples:

King George VI preceded Queen Elizabeth II.

(in time)

The professor will precede the first lecture with his opening remarks.

The flight simulator is unable to replicate the airframe shudder that precedes the stall.

Proceed

The verb 'to proceed' means 'to go forwards' or 'to continue'. The noun 'proceeds' (always in the plural) means 'the profit arising from an event or sale'.

Examples:

As soon as security has removed the protesters, I shall proceed.

(proceed = continue)

We are proceeding at pace.

(proceed = moving forward / moving on / progressing)

Have you spent the proceeds from the disco already?

(proceeds = profit)

Select the correct version:

PRECEDE CAN MEAN OUTRANK

Occasionally, precede can mean to come before in rank.

Example:

Within the noble ranks, each peer is graded according to the date of receiving the peerage, but peers of England (prior to 1707) precede peers of Scotland (prior to 1707).

(The word 'precedence' derives from 'precede' in this meaning.)