What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
essayist
Example
As an essayist, she often wrote about the intersection of art and politics. [essayist: noun]
Example
He is known for his witty and insightful essays on contemporary culture. [essays: plural noun]
writer
Example
She is a prolific writer, having published over a dozen novels. [writer: noun]
Example
I enjoy writing as a creative outlet and a way to express myself. [writing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Writer is a more commonly used term than essayist in everyday language. Writer is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts and genres, while essayist is a more specialized term that is typically used in academic or literary circles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between essayist and writer?
Essayist has a more formal and intellectual connotation than writer. While writer can be used in various formality levels, essayist is typically associated with a more formal and specialized tone.
