Advance is the adjective used to describe something that is carried out ahead of time. For instance, if you’re eager to read a soon-to-be-released book, you might make an advance purchase. The participial adjective advanced means (1) at a higher level than others, (2) difficult or complex, and (3) far along. For example, if you’re an advanced mathematician, you might order a book on advanced calculus.
Advanced is often used where advance would make more sense—for example:
But when it comes to advanced warning for dangerous storms … it’s better to be safe then [sic] sorry. [KPTM]
Advanced booking is essential as this programme will be offered to the first 20 athletes applying. [Saffron Walden Reporter]
This mix-up is common, though, and some readers won’t even notice it, so it’s not a serious error.
Examples
In these examples, advance and advanced are used in their dictionary-approved senses:
Everybody is invited to attend an advance screening of the movie Bernie on UE’s campus. [WFIE]
This enables academically advanced students to move on faster and bypass the senior slump, when many forget what they have learned. [Wall Street Journal’s The Juggle blog]
Fishermen said they always gave advance notice of their activities to authorities. [News24]
Then there’s Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace company, which deploys advanced avionics and fly-by-wire technology. [Washington Post]
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