What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
conjugate
Example
I conjugate the verb 'to be' differently depending on the subject. [conjugate: verb]
Example
The present tense of the verb 'to walk' is conjugated as 'I walk, you walk, he/she/it walks, we walk, you walk, they walk.' [conjugated: past participle]
inflect
Example
The noun 'child' inflects to 'children' to indicate plural. [inflect: verb]
Example
In the sentence 'She gave him the book,' the pronoun 'she' inflects to indicate the subject, while 'him' inflects to indicate the object. [inflects: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conjugate is more commonly used than inflect in everyday language, especially in reference to verbs. Inflect is a more technical term that is primarily used in linguistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between conjugate and inflect?
Both conjugate and inflect are technical terms that are more likely to be used in formal or academic contexts rather than casual conversation.
