What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
notebook
Example
I always carry a small notebook in my bag to jot down ideas. [notebook: noun]
Example
She was scribbling in her notebook during the lecture. [notebook: noun]
diary
Example
She wrote in her diary every night before going to bed. [diary: noun]
Example
His diary entries revealed his innermost thoughts and feelings. [diary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Notebook is more commonly used than diary in everyday language. Notebook is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while diary is less common and refers to a personal record of thoughts and feelings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between notebook and diary?
Notebook is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, while diary is more personal and intimate, and therefore may be considered more formal in certain contexts.
