What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
greet
Example
I greeted my new neighbor when I saw her moving in. [greet: verb]
Example
The host greeted us warmly at the door and showed us to our seats. [greeted: past tense]
Example
He greeted his friend with a hug and a smile. [greeted: past participle]
acknowledge
Example
She acknowledged the stranger's nod with a smile. [acknowledged: past tense]
Example
He acknowledged my email with a brief reply. [acknowledged: past tense]
Example
The company acknowledged the mistake and offered a refund. [acknowledged: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Acknowledge is more commonly used than greet in everyday language. Acknowledge is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while greet is less common and typically used in more formal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between greet and acknowledge?
Greet is typically associated with a more formal tone, while acknowledge can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
