What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
operation
Example
The patient underwent a successful heart operation. [operation: noun]
Example
The army conducted a covert operation to rescue hostages. [operation: noun]
Example
The company's operation was streamlined to improve efficiency. [operation: noun]
procedure
Example
The safety procedure requires employees to wear protective gear. [procedure: noun]
Example
The legal procedure for filing a complaint is outlined on the website. [procedure: noun]
Example
The laboratory follows a strict procedure for conducting experiments. [procedure: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Procedure is more commonly used than operation in everyday language. Procedure is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while operation is less common and often used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between operation and procedure?
Procedure is typically associated with a more formal or official tone, while operation can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
