Precede means to come before something in time or order. Proceed means to go ahead, move on, or continue. Use precede to locate something in a sequence. Use proceed to describe what moves or happens next.
Compare the two verbs in one sequence
- Precede. A short safety briefing precedes the hike. The briefing comes before the hike, which is the verb’s direct object.
- Proceed. After the briefing, the group proceeds to the trailhead. The group moves on. The phrase to the trailhead gives the destination.
Watch for proceed with and proceed to
Proceed with the tour means go ahead with it. Proceed to the next room names the next place. If you mean that one item comes before another, use precede. The time relationship is the clue.
