Because the words precede and proceed sound almost the same, they are among the most commonly confused words in writing.

Precede is a verb that has several definitions. Here are a couple of the most common definitions for the word precede:

            To come, exist, or occur before some other event in time.

EX: A speech given by the war veterans will precede the parade.

To introduce.

EX: The defendant preceded his plea to the judge with a long-winded story about why he ran the stop sign.

Proceed is also a verb that has a number of definitions of its own, depending on the context of the sentence.  Here are a few meanings for the word proceed:

            To go forward or onward (especially after an interruption).

EX:  After becoming startled by the gun shot, we proceeded into the woods with caution.

            To begin to carry on an action.

EX: It was only after the arrival of the foreman did the construction workers know how to proceed with the project.

            To move on in an orderly manner.

EX: Although the small electrical fire in the auditorium created a good deal of uneasiness, everyone in the building proceeded through the emergency exits without incident.
 

Precede (v.) To come, exist, or occur before in time; to come before in order or rank; to be in a position in front of; to introduce.

Proceed (v.) To go forward or onward, especially after an interruption; to begin to carry on an action; to move on in an orderly manner.

Definitions adapted from Dictionary.com.

Along with our own website, this week we recommend visiting the Online English Grammar Website. In conjunction to an extensive list of other easily confused words, this website also provides a punctuation guide and many interactive grammar tests.

Test your understanding by choosing the correct word.

The map was old and virtually illegible, so we weren’t sure of the direction in which to (precede/proceed).

Because her reputation as a knowledgeable instructor (precedes/proceeds) her, the courses she offers usually fill up within a few hours.

Before I (precede/proceed) with the next lesson, I think I should briefly review the (preceding/proceeding) one.

Because her reputation as a knowledgeable instructor precedes her, the courses she offers usually fill up within a few hours.

Before I proceed with the next lesson, I think I should briefly review the preceding one.

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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