What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
major
Example
I'm majoring in biology at university. [majoring: present participle]
Example
The major issue facing our company is financial instability. [major: adjective]
Example
He was promoted to the rank of major after serving for ten years. [major: noun]
concentration
Example
My concentration within my major is environmental science. [concentration: noun]
Example
I need to improve my concentration when studying for exams. [concentration: noun]
Example
The concentration of salt in the ocean is much higher than in freshwater. [concentration: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Major is more commonly used than concentration in academic contexts, as it is a standard term for a student's primary area of study. However, concentration is still widely used in academic contexts and can also be used in non-academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between major and concentration?
Both major and concentration are generally considered formal language, as they are related to education and learning. However, major may be slightly more formal due to its association with academic institutions and official transcripts.
