What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exam
Example
I have an exam in math tomorrow. [exam: noun]
Example
The final exam will cover all the material we learned this semester. [exam: noun]
Example
She was nervous before the job interview, but it felt like an exam of her abilities. [exam: metaphorical use]
evaluation
Example
The teacher gave us an evaluation of our essays. [evaluation: noun]
Example
The company conducted an evaluation of its marketing strategy. [evaluation: noun]
Example
The coach provided an evaluation of the team's performance after the game. [evaluation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exam is more commonly used than evaluation in educational settings, especially in the context of testing and grading. However, evaluation is more commonly used in professional settings, such as performance evaluations or program reviews.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exam and evaluation?
Exam is generally more formal than evaluation, as it is often a structured and standardized test with specific rules and procedures. Evaluation can be formal or informal depending on the context, but it is generally more adaptable and flexible than exam.
