What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
collated
Example
The librarian collated all the research papers into one comprehensive report. [collated: past tense]
Example
Please collate the documents in alphabetical order for easy reference. [collate: verb]
sorted
Example
She sorted the books on the shelf by genre. [sorted: past tense]
Example
Can you help me sort these papers by date? [sort: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sorted is more commonly used than collated in everyday language. Sort is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, while collate is more specific and commonly used in professional or technical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between collated and sorted?
While collate is typically associated with a more formal tone, sort can be used in both formal and informal contexts.