What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
editorial
Example
The editorial in today's paper criticized the government's handling of the pandemic. [editorial: noun]
Example
She wrote an editorial about the importance of voting in local elections. [editorial: adjective]
commentary
Example
The news anchor provided commentary on the election results. [commentary: noun]
Example
He gave a running commentary of the movie, pointing out the symbolism and themes. [commentary: noun]
Example
The sports commentator's insightful commentary made the game more enjoyable to watch. [commentary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Commentary is more commonly used than editorial in everyday language. Commentary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while editorial is more specific to the context of newspapers and magazines.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between editorial and commentary?
Editorial is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while commentary can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.