What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
epoch
Example
The Renaissance was an epoch of great artistic and cultural achievement. [epoch: noun]
Example
The discovery of fire marked an epoch in human history. [epoch: singular noun]
Example
The Paleozoic epoch is known for its abundance of marine life. [epoch: noun]
era
Example
The Industrial Era brought about significant changes in manufacturing and transportation. [era: noun]
Example
The Victorian era was known for its elaborate clothing and strict social norms. [era: noun]
Example
The Civil Rights era was marked by protests and activism for racial equality. [era: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Era is more commonly used than epoch in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of historical and cultural contexts. However, epoch is still an important term in scientific and geological fields.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between epoch and era?
Both epoch and era can be used in formal and informal contexts, but epoch may be more commonly used in academic or technical writing due to its scientific origins.