What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
codify
Example
The government decided to codify the existing labor laws to make them more accessible. [codify: verb]
Example
The professor spent years codifying his research findings into a comprehensive textbook. [codifying: gerund or present participle]
classify
Example
The librarian needs to classify the books according to their genres. [classify: verb]
Example
Scientists often classify animals based on their evolutionary relationships. [classifying: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Classify is more commonly used than codify in everyday language. Classify is a versatile term that can be applied to different situations, while codify is more specific and often used in formal or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between codify and classify?
While codify is associated with a more formal and specialized tone, classify can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more flexible in terms of formality.
