What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
induction
Example
Based on the data collected, we can make an induction that the new product will be successful. [induction: noun]
Example
The company held an induction ceremony for its new employees. [induction: noun]
Example
The doctor recommended induction to avoid any complications during delivery. [induction: noun]
generalization
Example
It's not fair to make a generalization about all cats based on one bad experience with a cat. [generalization: noun]
Example
The teacher made a generalization that all students are lazy and don't want to learn. [generalization: noun]
Example
He tends to make generalizations about people based on their appearance. [generalization: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Generalization is more commonly used than induction in everyday language. Generalization is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while induction is more specialized and often used in academic or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between induction and generalization?
Both induction and generalization can be used in formal contexts, but induction is more commonly associated with academic or scientific writing, while generalization is used in a wider range of formality levels.