Proceed / Precede
Different meaningsProceed means continue or go ahead; precede means come before. Use precede when describing a required order of events.
Proceed
Use when
You mean continue, go ahead or move to the next action or stage.
Example
“Once approval is obtained, the team may proceed with onboarding.”
Precede
Use when
You mean come before something in time, sequence or position.
Example
“Security clearance must precede access to the production system.”
Quick check
clearance must proceed access, precede with implementation, the meeting was proceeded by a briefing
Usage note