What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
employer
Example
My employer offers great benefits like health insurance and paid time off. [employer: noun]
Example
The employer-employee relationship is governed by labor laws. [employer: adjective]
boss
Example
My boss asked me to finish this report by the end of the day. [boss: noun]
Example
She is the boss of the marketing department. [boss: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boss is more commonly used than employer in everyday language. Boss is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, from casual to formal, while employer is more commonly used in legal and business contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between employer and boss?
Employer is a more formal term that is typically used in legal and business contexts, while boss is more informal and colloquial. However, both terms can be used formally or informally depending on the context.