What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
attendance
Example
Her attendance at the conference was mandatory. [attendance: noun]
Example
He attended every class and had perfect attendance. [attended: past tense]
appearance
Example
Her appearance at the party surprised everyone. [appearance: noun]
Example
He appeared confident and well-dressed for the job interview. [appeared: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Attendance is more commonly used than appearance in educational and professional settings, where it is often used to describe being present at meetings, classes, or conferences. On the other hand, appearance is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including social gatherings, public events, or personal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between attendance and appearance?
While attendance is typically associated with formal and professional contexts, appearance can be used in both formal and informal settings. Appearance as a verb can be used casually to describe showing up or making oneself visible, while appearance as a noun can be used in more formal contexts to describe the way someone looks or presents themselves.