What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elective
Example
I'm taking an elective course in art history next semester. [elective: adjective]
Example
The patient opted for an elective surgery to improve their quality of life. [elective: noun]
Example
The mayor was elected to office by the people. [elected: past participle]
voluntary
Example
I volunteered to help with the charity event this weekend. [volunteered: verb]
Example
The organization relies on voluntary contributions to fund their programs. [voluntary: adjective]
Example
She made a voluntary donation to the animal shelter. [voluntary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Voluntary is more commonly used than elective in everyday language. Voluntary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while elective is less common and refers to specific situations such as academic courses or medical procedures.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between elective and voluntary?
Elective is more formal than voluntary, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Voluntary is often associated with a positive connotation of altruism and willingness to help others.
