What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lien
Example
The bank has a lien on the house until the mortgage is fully paid. [lien: noun]
Example
The contractor filed a lien against the property for unpaid work. [lien: verb]
claim
Example
She made a claim for compensation after the accident. [claim: noun]
Example
He claimed ownership of the land despite lacking proper documentation. [claimed: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Claim is more commonly used than lien in everyday language. Claim is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lien is more specific and often used in legal or financial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lien and claim?
Lien is typically associated with formal and legal contexts, while claim can be used in both formal and informal situations, depending on the context and tone.
