What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
journalist
Example
The journalist interviewed the mayor about the new policy. [journalist: noun]
Example
She studied journalism in college and now works as a journalist for a major news outlet. [journalist: noun]
reporter
Example
The reporter filed a story about the local election results. [reporter: noun]
Example
He is a well-known sports reporter who covers major events like the Olympics. [reporter: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reporter is more commonly used than journalist in everyday language, especially in the context of TV news. However, both terms are widely recognized and used interchangeably in many contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between journalist and reporter?
Both journalist and reporter are generally considered formal terms, appropriate for use in professional or academic settings. However, reporter may be slightly less formal due to its association with TV news and tabloid-style reporting.