What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
calculate
Example
I need to calculate the total cost of my groceries before I go to the store. [calculate: verb]
Example
The students were asked to calculate the area of the triangle using the given measurements. [calculate: verb]
assess
Example
The teacher will assess the students' understanding of the lesson through a written test. [assess: verb]
Example
The company hired a consultant to assess the efficiency of their production process. [assess: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Calculate is more commonly used than assess in everyday language, especially in mathematical or scientific contexts. Assess is more commonly used in academic or professional settings where evaluations or judgments are required.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between calculate and assess?
Both calculate and assess can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, assess may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with evaluations and judgments.
