What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diagram
Example
The diagram shows the flow of electricity through the circuit. [diagram: noun]
Example
She diagrammed the steps of the experiment on the whiteboard. [diagrammed: past tense verb]
graph
Example
The graph shows the increase in temperature over time. [graph: noun]
Example
He graphed the results of the survey on a bar chart. [graphed: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Graph is more commonly used than diagram in everyday language. Graph is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while diagram is less common and is typically used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diagram and graph?
Both diagram and graph can be used in formal and informal contexts, but diagram is more commonly associated with technical or specialized fields, making it slightly more formal than graph.
