Synonyms in Detail: correct and right Usage & Differences

What context can I use each word in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

correct

Example

Please make sure your answers are correct before submitting the test. [correct: adjective]

Example

It's not correct to interrupt someone while they're speaking. [correct: adjective]

Example

The teacher corrected my grammar mistakes in the essay. [corrected: past tense verb]

right

Example

It's not right to cheat on an exam. [right: adjective]

Example

I think it's the right thing to do to apologize for my mistake. [right: adjective]

Example

Everyone has the right to freedom of speech. [right: noun]

Good things to know

Which word is more common?

Right is more commonly used than correct in everyday language. Right is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while correct is more limited in scope and often used in specific contexts such as academic or technical writing.

Whatโ€™s the difference in the tone of formality between correct and right?

Correct is more formal than right, which is more casual and conversational. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and audience.

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