If a deadline’s moved forward is it earlier or later?
Writing for Business
Which is correct?
The compliance deadline has been moved forward, so all reporting is due two months _____ than the original date.
a. later
b. earlier
Answer: b
Explanation:
If something is moving towards you — like a deadline — moving it forward will make it closer to you and moving it back will move it farther away.
The Grammarphobia blog, by the authors of Woe is I, has a nice response to this question.