What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
effective
Example
The new marketing campaign was very effective in increasing sales. [effective: adjective]
Example
She effectively communicated her ideas to the team. [effectively: adverb]
useful
Example
This app is very useful for tracking your expenses. [useful: adjective]
Example
I found the article to be very useful in understanding the topic. [useful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Useful is more commonly used than effective in everyday language. Useful is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while effective is more specific and often used in professional or technical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between effective and useful?
Both effective and useful can be used in formal and informal contexts, but effective is often associated with a more formal tone due to its professional connotations.
