proceed, precede

To proceed means “to go forward,” “to carry on,” or “to originate from a source.” The verb proceed is distinctly intransitive. That is, you may not proceed something. Instead, you proceed with something.

To precede means “to occur or exist before” in time or to come before in rank. The verb precede is transitive.

Example: Before we proceed with the investigation, we must make certain that official notice to all parties precedes any official action.