What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exponence
Example
The exponence of plural in English is typically marked by adding -s to the end of a noun. [exponence: noun]
Example
In Swahili, the exponence of tense is indicated by adding prefixes to the verb stem. [exponence: noun]
inflection
Example
The inflection of verbs in Spanish indicates the subject's person, number, and tense. [inflection: noun]
Example
In Russian, the inflection of nouns changes depending on their gender, number, and case. [inflection: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inflection is more commonly used than exponence in everyday language and grammar instruction. Inflection is a familiar term used to describe the modification of words to express grammatical information, while exponence is a more technical term used primarily in linguistic theory and analysis.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exponence and inflection?
Exponence is a more technical term used primarily in linguistic theory and analysis, making it more formal than inflection, which is a familiar term used in everyday language and grammar instruction.
