What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
collate
Example
Please collate all the sales reports and arrange them in chronological order. [collate: verb]
Example
The librarian spent hours collating the research papers to create a comprehensive bibliography. [collating: gerund or present participle]
match
Example
Can you match the socks by their colors? [match: verb]
Example
The curtains and the sofa match perfectly, creating a cohesive look. [match: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Match is more commonly used than collate in everyday language. Match is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from personal to professional, while collate is more specific and commonly used in professional or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between collate and match?
While collate is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its usage in professional or academic settings, match can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing for a more versatile application.
