What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
condense
Example
Can you condense this report into a one-page summary? [condense: verb]
Example
The steam from the kettle condensed on the cold window. [condensed: past tense]
Example
The professor condensed the lecture into a 30-minute presentation. [condensed: adjective]
concentrate
Example
I need to concentrate on finishing this project before the deadline. [concentrate: verb]
Example
The juice was too watery, so I had to concentrate it by boiling off some of the water. [concentrate: verb]
Example
The company decided to concentrate its operations in one central location. [concentrate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Concentrate is more commonly used in everyday language than condense, and can be used in a variety of contexts. Condense is more often used in technical or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between condense and concentrate?
Both condense and concentrate can be used in formal or technical contexts, but condense may be perceived as more formal due to its association with academic or scientific writing.
