What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
optional
Example
The dress code is optional for this event. [optional: adjective]
Example
You can choose to take the optional quiz for extra credit. [optional: adjective]
Example
The car comes with optional leather seats. [optional: adjective]
voluntary
Example
She made a voluntary donation to the charity. [voluntary: adjective]
Example
The company offers voluntary overtime for those who want to earn extra money. [voluntary: adjective]
Example
He joined the voluntary fire department to help his community. [voluntary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Optional is more commonly used than voluntary in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts. However, voluntary is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between optional and voluntary?
Voluntary is more formal than optional and is often used in legal or official contexts. Optional, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
