What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paperclip
Example
Can you please pass me a paperclip so I can attach these pages together? [paperclip: noun]
Example
She paperclipped the receipts together before filing them away. [paperclipped: past tense verb]
binder
Example
I need to get a binder to keep all my notes and handouts organized. [binder: noun]
Example
She put the pages in the binder and secured them with the rings. [binder: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Paperclip is more commonly used than binder in everyday language. Paperclip is a simple and ubiquitous office supply item that can be found in most households and workplaces, while binder is a more specialized tool that may not be as commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paperclip and binder?
Both paperclip and binder are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in various contexts, from casual to formal, depending on the situation.