What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
migrate
Example
The birds migrate south for the winter. [migrate: verb]
Example
My family migrated to the United States when I was a child. [migrated: past tense]
Example
We need to migrate our files to the new server. [migrate: verb]
move
Example
I need to move this box to the other side of the room. [move: verb]
Example
We're planning to move to a bigger house next year. [move: verb]
Example
The company is moving its headquarters to a new city. [moving: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Move is more commonly used than migrate in everyday language. Move is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while migrate is less common and often used in specific scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between migrate and move?
Migrate is generally considered more formal than move. It is often used in scientific or technical contexts, while move can be used in both formal and informal situations.