Understanding Precede, Proceed, and Proceeds

Learning English can be tricky, and some words sound alike but mean different things. Let’s look at precede, proceed, and proceeds.

Precede

History: The word “precede” comes from the Latin word “praecedere,” which means “to go before.”

How to Use: “Precede” means to come before something in time or order.

Examples:

• The thunder preceded the lightning.
• A warm-up usually precedes a workout.
• Breakfast precedes our morning walk.
• The teacher’s words preceded the lesson.
• The opening act preceded the main show.

Proceed

History: “Proceed” comes from the Latin word “procedere,” meaning “to go forward” or “to advance.”

How to Use: “Proceed” means to continue or move forward.

Examples:

• After the break, we will proceed with the meeting.
• Please proceed to the next room.
• When the light turns green, you can proceed.
• They decided to proceed with the plan.
• The judge allowed the trial to proceed.

Proceeds

History: “Proceeds” comes from the same Latin roots as “proceed,” but is used in a different way.

How to Use: “Proceeds” refers to money or profit gained from a sale or event.

Examples:

• All proceeds from the sale go to charity.
• The concert proceeds helped build a new park.
• They donated the proceeds to the school.
• The garage sale proceeds were more than expected.
• Half of the proceeds will fund new books.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember “precede” means “before”—think of “pre-” like “preview” or “prepare.” “Proceed” means “to go” or “continue”—like “process” or a green light. “Proceeds” is about money, like “profits.”

Summary

Precede: To come before in time.

Proceed: To move forward or continue.

Proceeds: Money earned or raised.

Keeping these differences in mind will help you use these words correctly!