What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mnemonic
Example
ROYGBIV is a popular mnemonic for remembering the colors of the rainbow. [mnemonic: noun]
Example
To remember the order of operations in math, use the mnemonic 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.' [mnemonic: adjective]
clue
Example
The detective found a clue at the crime scene that helped identify the suspect. [clue: noun]
Example
Her facial expression gave me a clue that she was upset about something. [clue: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clue is more commonly used than mnemonic in everyday language. Clue is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mnemonic is less common and often used in educational or learning contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mnemonic and clue?
While mnemonic is typically associated with a formal or educational tone, clue is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
