What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
develop
Example
She is working hard to develop her skills as a musician. [develop: verb]
Example
The company plans to develop a new product line next year. [develop: verb]
Example
The situation in the country is developing rapidly. [developing: present participle]
advance
Example
The army is advancing towards the enemy's territory. [advance: verb]
Example
He is taking classes to advance his knowledge of computer programming. [advance: verb]
Example
The company offered him an advance position with more responsibilities. [advance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Develop is more commonly used than advance in everyday language. Develop is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while advance is more specific and often used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between develop and advance?
Advance is generally more formal than develop, and it is often used in professional or academic settings to describe progress or promotion in a career or field of study.
