How to Use Precede and Proceed Correctly

The verbs "precede" and "proceed" sound a lot alike. However, they have different meanings as well as different spellings. Using one when the other should be used is a common mistake, but one that should be avoided, particularly in any medium for which you will be graded or otherwise evaluated, like resumes, business correspondence and academic papers.

Instructions

1. Know how to spell "precede" and "proceed" correctly. Both words are often misspelled even when the writer is using them correctly within the context of a sentence.

2. Understand the difference in meaning that goes along with each spelling. "Precede" means to happen before or come before. For example, "She preceded him as vice president of the company." On the other hand, "proceed" means to continue moving forward, often after an interruption. For example, "After the film credits concluded, the group proceeded to the theater exit."

3. Decide whether the verb you need in the sentence is about something taking place earlier in time or about moving forward into the future. If the event happened "before" use "precede" and if happened "after" use "proceed."

4. Write your sentence and use the correct word for the context of the sentence.

5. Double check spelling, especially if you are using a derivative of either "precede" or "proceed." For example, the word "procedure" comes from "proceed" but only has one "e."

Tips & Warnings

• Try using this memory trick: "He allowed her to precede him through the door before he proceeded through the door."

• Knowing derivatives of words can help you keep clear in your mind when and how to use these words correctly. "Proceedings," "procession" and "procedure" all come from "proceed." They all have carry connotations of movement forward. Derivatives of "precede" like "precedent," "precession," and "predecessor" all suggest prior state.