I'll come back home earlier today.
I'll come back home sooner today.

What's should I say? meaning I'll work less hours today

earlier vs, sooner

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@LearningStar

Yes, sort of. It's a little bit complicated.

In 90% of cases, they would mean the same thing and you wouldn't need to think about it twice.

But, there is a slight difference in meaning

Earlier – if you say earlier, then we are talking about a scale of time. The hours on the clock.

Sooner – if you say sooner, it is very open to contextual interpretation. Sooner than what? Sooner than last week? Sooner than Jack? Sooner than I usually do? Sooner than she does?

Do you see? They are not actually the exact same thing – although, in practice, they are often treated as such