What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enlister
Example
He decided to enlister in the army after finishing high school. [enlister: verb]
Example
The enlisting process involves several steps, including physical and mental evaluations. [enlisting: gerund or present participle]
soldier
Example
The soldier was awarded a medal for his bravery in battle. [soldier: noun]
Example
She decided to soldier on despite the difficult circumstances. [soldier: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Soldier is more commonly used than enlister in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and has a more established history and usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enlister and soldier?
Soldier is generally considered more formal than enlister, as it is associated with military service and can be used in various formal contexts such as official documents, speeches, and ceremonies.