the sooner(earlier

[keannu]

In the second blank, does it have to be only "sooner" or will "earlier" also do? The answer goes "sooner", which I think is too limited.

basic7)___The earlier___ we leave, __the sooner(earlier)_ we will arrive.

 

[probus]

This is a matter of euphony. You can substitue earlier for sooner, but if you do you should do so in both clauses.

The sooner we leave, the sooner we will arrive.
The earlier we leave, the earlier we will arrive.
Both of these are fine.

The earlier we leave the sooner we will arrive is understandable but unnatural.

 

[Barb_D]

eu·pho·ny
ˈyo͞ofənē/
noun
[COLOR=#878787 !important][/COLOR]

• 1.
  the quality of being pleasing to the ear, esp. through a harmonious combination of words.