What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
assess
Example
The teacher will assess our knowledge through a written exam. [assess: verb]
Example
The company hired a consultant to assess the efficiency of their operations. [assess: verb]
rate
Example
I would rate this movie as one of the best I've seen. [rate: verb]
Example
The interest rate for this loan is quite high. [rate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rate is more commonly used than assess in everyday language. Rate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, including reviews, feedback, and pricing. On the other hand, assess is more specific and commonly used in academic or professional writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between assess and rate?
While assess is typically associated with a formal tone and is commonly used in academic or professional settings, rate is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.