It’s understandably easy to confuse proceed and precede. After all, they look and sound similar, so it’s only natural to assume the terms are related. In fact, they are opposites. Discover the difference between proceed and precede, as well as their origins, meanings and uses.

Proceed and Precede: The Difference Defined

While proceed and precede look and sound similar, they are distinct words with different prefixes and meanings.

• proceed – to go forward; begin or continue something
• precede – to go or come before

Meaning and Usage of Proceed

Proceed means “to begin or continue with something.” The word is derived from the Old French proceder, which itself comes from Latin procedere meaning “to advance or go forward.” In this context, the prefix pro- means “forward.” Proceed is a verb used to indicate the action of continuing or moving forward.

Proceed with caution.

After the situation was resolved, we were allowed to proceed.

We proceeded to the hotel.

(How to Use Precede in a Sentence) Meaning and Usage of Precede

Precede is a verb derived from the Latin word praecedere, which is made up of prae (“pre”) and cedere (“to go”). The prefix pre- means “prior to” or “earlier than.” Therefore, precede means “to go or come before.” This can apply to either time or place. It can also mean to come before in rank, order or importance.

The event will precede the game.

Chest pains often precede a heart attack.

His qualifications preceded his name.

What About Proceeds?

There are actually a couple of different ways you can use proceeds (with an s). On one hand, proceeds is a form of the verb proceed that means “to continue.”

She’s told to give up, but she proceeds anyway.

If this weather proceeds, we will have to postpone the concert

Life ends, but time proceeds.

On the other hand, the noun proceeds refers to the money obtained from an event or activity, usually to do with business or charity.

The proceeds will be donated to charity.

The year’s proceeds exceeded last year’s.

The proceeds of the sale were split between the partners.

Proceed to the Correct Word

There are many words that can easily be confused because they look or sound similar. For example, Accept vs Except or Desert vs Dessert may look related, but they have different meanings and uses. Review and memorise these terms so you can always choose the correct word.

The event will precede the game.

Chest pains often precede a heart attack.

His qualifications preceded his name.

What about you? Do you have a pair of confusing words that you want to clarify? Why don’t you share them with me and the English Connection community in the comments section below! 

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