What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
formule
Example
The formule for greeting someone in French is 'Bonjour, comment ça va?' [formule: noun]
Example
The politician's speech was filled with formules and cliches. [formules: plural noun]
convention
Example
It is a convention to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time. [convention: noun]
Example
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was signed by many countries. [Convention: proper noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Convention is more commonly used than formule in everyday language. Convention is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while formule is less common and refers to a specific set of linguistic expressions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between formule and convention?
Both formule and convention can be associated with formal settings or situations. However, formule is more rigid and formulaic, while convention can be more flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances, making it more suitable for various formality levels.