What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cue
Example
The ringing of the bell was the cue for the actors to start the play. [cue: noun]
Example
She gave me a cue to remind me of what I needed to say during the presentation. [cue: verb]
prompt
Example
The teacher prompted the students to start working on their assignments. [prompt: verb]
Example
He gave a prompt reply to the email, thanking the sender for the information. [prompt: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prompt is more commonly used than cue in everyday language. Prompt is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cue is less common and often associated with performance or entertainment contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cue and prompt?
Both cue and prompt can be used in formal and informal contexts, but prompt is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
