(1)early this week本周早些时候/本周初（无比较意味）

Five others and the original non - arrested were released early this week.本周初,另外五人和原来没有被捕的人被释放.

Hello, may I make an appointment for sometime early this week?  

喂, 可以在本周初某个时侯为我安排一次约会 吗 ?

(2)earlier this week 本周更早些时候。（有比较意味）

The Foreign Secretary's remarks clarify an ambiguous statement issued earlier this week. 

外交大臣的话对本周较早时候发表的一份模棱两可的声明作出了澄清。

Nationwide industrial action began earlier this week, when staff at most banks walked out. 

本周早些时候多数银行职员举行罢工，遍及全国的劳工行动由此开始。

备注：1和2唯一区别是2有比较意味，1没有，其它都是一样。