What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anecdote
Example
My grandfather always had an anecdote to share at family gatherings. [anecdote: noun]
Example
She told us an amusing anecdote about her first day on the job. [anecdote: adjective]
story
Example
I read a fascinating story in the newspaper this morning. [story: noun]
Example
He enjoys writing stories that explore different cultures and traditions. [story: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Story is more commonly used than anecdote in everyday language. Story is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts and genres, while anecdote is more specific and often used in informal or personal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anecdote and story?
While anecdote is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, story can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.