What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clerk
Example
The clerk at the front desk helped me find the information I needed. [clerk: noun]
Example
She is responsible for clerking the invoices and ensuring they are properly filed. [clerking: verb]
receptionist
Example
The receptionist welcomed me with a friendly smile when I entered the office. [receptionist: noun]
Example
She is busy answering phone calls and managing the reception area. [answering: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Receptionist is more commonly used than clerk in everyday language. Receptionist is a specific job title that people are more familiar with, especially in the context of offices and businesses. On the other hand, clerk is a broader term that can refer to various administrative roles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clerk and receptionist?
Both clerk and receptionist can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, clerk may sound slightly more formal due to its association with administrative tasks, while receptionist has a more casual and approachable connotation.
