What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
literacy
Example
The literacy rate in the country has increased significantly over the past decade. [literacy: noun]
Example
She has excellent literacy skills in English. [literacy: adjective]
education
Example
He received a good education from a prestigious university. [education: noun]
Example
She is passionate about education and believes in its transformative power. [education: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Education is a more commonly used term than literacy in everyday language. Education is a broad concept that covers various aspects of learning and development, while literacy is a more specific skill that is often associated with basic functional abilities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between literacy and education?
Education is typically associated with a formal and academic tone, while literacy can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the level of proficiency being discussed.