What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
categorization
Example
The librarian used categorization to organize the books by genre. [categorization: noun]
Example
She is skilled in categorizing different types of plants based on their characteristics. [categorizing: gerund or present participle]
classification
Example
The scientist used classification to group animals based on their habitats. [classification: noun]
Example
He is studying the classification of galaxies in astronomy. [classification: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Classification is more commonly used than categorization in scientific, academic, and technical contexts. Classification is a widely recognized term in various fields of study, while categorization is more commonly used in everyday language for organizing objects or information.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between categorization and classification?
While categorization can be used in both formal and informal contexts, classification is generally associated with a more formal tone and is commonly used in academic or technical writing.
