What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
automatically
Example
The doors of the supermarket open automatically when someone approaches. [automatically: adverb]
Example
The computer program automatically saves your work every few minutes. [automatically: adverb]
spontaneously
Example
She spontaneously burst into laughter at the comedian's joke. [spontaneously: adverb]
Example
The children started dancing spontaneously when they heard the music. [spontaneously: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Automatically is more commonly used than spontaneously in technical or scientific contexts. It is a term frequently used when describing processes or actions performed by machines or systems. On the other hand, spontaneously is more commonly used in everyday language to describe actions or behaviors that occur naturally or instinctively.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between automatically and spontaneously?
While automatically is associated with a more technical or formal tone, spontaneously is generally used in informal or casual contexts. Automatically is commonly used in scientific or technical writing, while spontaneously is used in everyday conversations or informal writing.
