What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
counterfactual
Example
If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam. [counterfactual: conditional statement]
Example
The counterfactual scenario assumes that the company had invested in new technology. [counterfactual: adjective]
hypothetical
Example
If we were to increase our prices, sales might decrease. [hypothetical: conditional statement]
Example
The hypothetical scenario assumes that the economy will improve next year. [hypothetical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hypothetical is more commonly used than counterfactual in everyday language. Hypothetical is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while counterfactual is less common and more specialized, typically used in academic or analytical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between counterfactual and hypothetical?
Both counterfactual and hypothetical are formal words that are commonly used in academic or analytical contexts. However, hypothetical is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while counterfactual is more specialized and less commonly used in everyday language.
