What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
catalog
Example
I need to check the catalog to see if they have the book I'm looking for. [catalog: noun]
Example
The company sends out catalogs to showcase their latest products. [catalog: noun]
index
Example
You can find the definition of that word in the index at the back of the book. [index: noun]
Example
The report includes an index of all the references used. [index: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Catalog is more commonly used than index in everyday language, especially in the context of retail, marketing, or libraries. Index is more commonly found in books, research papers, or academic publications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between catalog and index?
Both catalog and index can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, index is more commonly associated with academic or technical writing, giving it a slightly more formal connotation compared to catalog.
