What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
educational
Example
The museum has many educational exhibits on science and history. [educational: adjective]
Example
I find documentaries to be very educational and informative. [educational: adjective]
instructive
Example
The coach gave us some instructive tips on how to improve our basketball skills. [instructive: adjective]
Example
The manual was very instructive and helped me assemble the furniture easily. [instructive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Educational is more commonly used than instructive in everyday language. Educational is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while instructive is more specific and often used in technical or vocational settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between educational and instructive?
Both educational and instructive are neutral and can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, instructive may have a more directive or prescriptive tone, which may make it less appropriate for some formal situations.
