What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
filtering
Example
I filtered the search results to only show products within my price range. [filtered: past tense]
Example
The email system automatically filters spam messages into a separate folder. [filters: verb]
sorting
Example
I sorted the books on my shelf alphabetically by author's last name. [sorted: past tense]
Example
The spreadsheet allows you to sort data by different columns, such as date or amount. [sort: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sorting is more commonly used than filtering in everyday language. Sorting is a versatile tool that can be applied to various types of data and is commonly used in spreadsheets, file managers, and photo galleries. Filtering, on the other hand, is more specialized and is often used in search engines, databases, and email systems.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between filtering and sorting?
Both filtering and sorting can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and audience. However, sorting is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, making it more suitable for formal settings.
