What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lesson
Example
The teacher prepared a lesson on fractions for the students. [lesson: noun]
Example
I had a lesson with my guitar teacher yesterday. [lesson: noun]
Example
She learned an important lesson about honesty. [lesson: noun]
class
Example
I have a math class in the morning. [class: noun]
Example
The professor teaches a class on Shakespeare. [class: noun]
Example
We had a great discussion in our history class today. [class: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Class is more commonly used than lesson in everyday language. Class is a versatile term that can refer to a group of students or a course of study, while lesson is more specific and often used in the context of a single session or unit of instruction.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lesson and class?
Both lesson and class can be used in formal and informal contexts, but class is more commonly used in academic or professional settings.
