What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
collective
Example
The team made a collective effort to complete the project on time. [collective: adjective]
Example
The collective decision was to postpone the event due to bad weather. [collective: noun]
joint
Example
We made a joint decision to go on a vacation together. [joint: adjective]
Example
The two companies formed a joint venture to develop a new product. [joint: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Joint is more commonly used than collective in everyday language. Joint is versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as describing shared decisions, ventures, or ownership. On the other hand, collective is less common and is often used in more specific contexts related to group efforts or actions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between collective and joint?
Both collective and joint can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, joint may have a slightly more business-oriented connotation, while collective can be associated with a sense of unity and solidarity.
