in advance

/ɪn ədˈvæns/
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Before the relevant time or event.

Examples

  • Please book your seat in advance.
  • Did you tell her in advance about the change?
  • The menu was sent in advance of the meeting.
  • We paid in advance for the hotel.
  • You can prepare the vegetables in advance.

Similar words

ahead of time
beforehand

Meanings

Beforehand

time
neutral
Before an event or agreed time, often to allow preparation.

Examples

  • Please book your seat in advance.
  • We paid in advance for the hotel.
  • Did you tell her in advance about the change?
  • The menu was sent in advance of the meeting.
  • You can prepare the vegetables in advance.

Similar words

Etymology

Advance refers to being ahead. The phrase places an action before the time when it is needed.

FAQ

What does in advance mean?

It means before the relevant event or time.

When is in advance used?

It is used for preparation, booking, payment, or notice before something happens.

How is in advance different from in time?

In advance stresses doing something beforehand. In time means early enough, even if only just.

How is in advance used in a sentence?

It often follows a verb, as in “book in advance”.

Is in advance formal?

It is neutral and works in conversation and formal instructions.

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