What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
organisation
Example
The charity organisation raised funds for the homeless. [organisation: noun]
Example
She spent hours organising her closet by color and season. [organising: gerund or present participle]
institution
Example
Harvard University is a prestigious institution of higher learning. [institution: noun]
Example
Marriage is considered an institution in many cultures. [institution: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Organisation is more commonly used than institution in everyday language. Organisation is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while institution is often used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between organisation and institution?
Institution is typically associated with a more formal and serious tone, while organisation can be used in both formal and informal contexts.