What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
donation
Example
I made a donation to the local food bank to help those in need. [donation: noun]
Example
The company made a generous donation to the hurricane relief fund. [donation: noun]
present
Example
I bought my friend a present for her birthday. [present: noun]
Example
The company gave its employees a present as a thank you for their hard work. [present: noun]
Example
I am currently presenting my research findings to the team. [presenting: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Present is more commonly used than donation in everyday language. Present is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while donation is less common and refers specifically to giving to a charitable organization or cause.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between donation and present?
While donation is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, present is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.