What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boss
Example
My boss asked me to finish the report by the end of the day. [boss: noun]
Example
She bosses everyone around and tells them what to do. [bosses: verb]
chief
Example
The chief of police held a press conference to address the recent crime wave. [chief: noun]
Example
He is the chief engineer in charge of the project. [chief: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boss is more commonly used in everyday language, while chief is often used in formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boss and chief?
Chief is generally considered more formal than boss, which is often used in informal or colloquial contexts.