What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
magnify
Example
She used a magnifying glass to read the small print. [magnifying: verb]
Example
The microscope can magnify the image up to 1000 times its original size. [magnify: verb]
expand
Example
The company plans to expand its operations to other countries. [expand: verb]
Example
He expanded on his previous statement, providing more details and examples. [expanded: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expand is more commonly used than magnify in everyday language. Expand is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while magnify is less common and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between magnify and expand?
Magnify is typically associated with a more formal tone, especially in scientific or technical contexts, while expand can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
