Meaning of "earlier this week"

[Flunacy]

Hello everyone

I would like to ask what "earlier this week...." mean...
Does it mean "at the beginning of the week" i.e. monday in specific
or does it mean during the week, but in its earlier days such monday, tuesday etc.?

And can I also say "earlier this month, this year...", meaning?
Thank you very much for your reply!
Ciao
Ro

[Jayj]

"earlier this week" means the beginning of the week which you alluded to. You can also say "ealier this month" and "ealier this year." All have the same meaning. This is common and native speakers say it all the time. Hope this helps. Good luck

Jay

[Flunacy]

thank you Jay, yes, you've been helpful!

Ro