What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inadvertently
Example
I inadvertently left my phone at home this morning. [inadvertently: adverb]
Example
She inadvertently spilled coffee on her shirt while rushing to work. [inadvertently: adverb]
unintentionally
Example
He unintentionally offended his friend by forgetting their birthday. [unintentionally: adverb]
Example
The child unintentionally broke the vase while playing with a ball. [unintentionally: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unintentionally is more commonly used than inadvertently in everyday language. Unintentionally is simple and straightforward, making it easy to use in various contexts. Inadvertently is less common and may be seen as more formal or complex.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inadvertently and unintentionally?
While inadvertently is typically associated with a more formal tone, unintentionally is versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
