What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
author
Example
J.K. Rowling is a famous author known for the Harry Potter series. [author: noun]
Example
She authored several best-selling novels throughout her career. [authored: past tense verb]
essayist
Example
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a renowned essayist who wrote about nature and self-reliance. [essayist: noun]
Example
She is known for her thought-provoking essays that challenge societal norms. [essays: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Author is a more commonly used term compared to essayist. The term author is widely recognized and used in everyday language when referring to writers of books and novels. Essayist, while less common, is still used in literary and academic contexts to describe writers of essays.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between author and essayist?
Both author and essayist can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, author is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, given its broader usage and recognition.
