What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
association
Example
There is a strong association between smoking and lung cancer. [association: noun]
Example
She decided to join the local neighborhood association to get involved in community activities. [association: noun]
group
Example
The children were divided into small groups for the team-building activity. [groups: noun]
Example
We need to group the items based on their color. [group: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Group is more commonly used than association in everyday language. Group is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, from casual gatherings to formal organizations. Association, on the other hand, is more commonly used in academic or professional settings when discussing formal connections or relationships.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between association and group?
While group can be used in both formal and informal contexts, association is generally associated with a more formal tone. Association is often used in academic or professional discussions, while group is suitable for both formal and informal conversations.