What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
instructor
Example
The instructor explained the concept of calculus to the students. [instructor: noun]
Example
She works as an aerobics instructor at the gym. [instructor: noun]
Example
The instructor led the group in a meditation session. [instructor: noun]
tutor
Example
I hired a tutor to help me improve my Spanish. [tutor: noun]
Example
She tutored him in algebra after school. [tutored: past tense verb]
Example
The tutor provided extra help to the struggling students. [tutor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Instructor is more commonly used than tutor in formal educational settings, such as schools and universities. However, tutor is more commonly used in informal settings, such as private tutoring or test preparation services.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between instructor and tutor?
Instructor is typically associated with a more formal tone, while tutor is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.