What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
echelon
Example
She quickly rose through the echelons of the company and became a top executive. [echelons: plural noun]
Example
The soldiers marched in echelon formation, ready for battle. [echelon: singular noun]
tier
Example
The cake had three tiers, each decorated with a different color frosting. [tiers: plural noun]
Example
The athletes were divided into different tiers based on their performance. [tier: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tier is more commonly used than echelon in everyday language. Tier is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while echelon is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between echelon and tier?
Echelon is typically associated with a more formal or serious tone, while tier can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
