What is the difference between 'early on' and 'early'?

[Awake2reality]

Hi,

I'm not clear on the difference between 'early on' and 'early'. For example:

"Mothers are more cuddly than fathers, and sons realize early on that their mothers are more accepting of human frailty".

Can we just use 'early' instead of 'early on' in the above sentence?
Thanks.

[Mister Micawber]

.
'Early on' means 'early in a process/series/etc', and is rather more casual than 'early', I think. The 'on' can be omitted from your sentence.
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Awake2reality]

Thank you Mister Micawber.