What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decade
Example
I haven't seen him in over a decade. [decade: noun]
Example
The 1960s was a decade of significant social and political change. [decade: noun]
ten
Example
I need to buy ten apples from the grocery store. [ten: numeral]
Example
There are ten students in this classroom. [ten: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ten is a more common word than decade and is used more frequently in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decade and ten?
Decade has a more formal connotation and is typically used in more formal contexts, such as academic or historical writing. Ten, on the other hand, is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.