What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clerical
Example
She has a clerical job at the local government office. [clerical: adjective]
Example
He is responsible for clerical tasks like organizing documents and scheduling appointments. [clerical: noun]
office
Example
I have a meeting in the office this afternoon. [office: noun]
Example
She works in an office building downtown. [office: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Office is a more commonly used term compared to clerical. It is a versatile word that is widely used in everyday language to refer to workplaces and work-related environments. On the other hand, clerical is less commonly used and is more specific to administrative tasks and roles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clerical and office?
Both clerical and office can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, clerical may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with administrative work, while office is more neutral and can be used in various formality levels.