What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frequency
Example
The frequency of earthquakes in this region is quite high. [frequency: noun]
Example
I check my email with high frequency throughout the day. [frequency: noun]
Example
The radio station plays music with a frequency of 100.5 MHz. [frequency: noun]
rate
Example
The rate of inflation has been steadily increasing. [rate: noun]
Example
She types at a rate of 80 words per minute. [rate: noun]
Example
The exchange rate between the US dollar and the Euro is 1:0.85. [rate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rate is more commonly used than frequency in everyday language. Rate is a versatile term that can be applied to many different contexts, while frequency is more specialized and is often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frequency and rate?
Frequency is generally considered more formal than rate, as it is often used in technical or scientific writing. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
