What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
genre
Example
I enjoy reading books in the mystery genre. [genre: noun]
Example
The movie falls under the horror genre. [genre: noun]
category
Example
The products are divided into different categories for easy browsing. [category: noun]
Example
The book can be classified under the non-fiction category. [category: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Category is more commonly used than genre in everyday language, as it is more versatile and applicable to a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between genre and category?
Both genre and category can be used in formal and informal contexts, but category is more neutral and can be used in a wider range of situations, making it more formal in some cases.
