What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
competently
Example
She completed the project competently and within the given deadline. [competently: adverb]
Example
The new employee was hired for her competently in marketing research. [competence: noun]
effectively
Example
The new software program helped the team work more effectively. [effectively: adverb]
Example
The manager's decision to restructure the department was effective in improving productivity. [effective: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Effectively is more commonly used than competently in everyday language. Effectively is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while competently is less common and is often used in professional or technical settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between competently and effectively?
Competently is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, while effectively can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.