What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
percent
Example
The sales tax rate is 7 percent. [percent: noun]
Example
The company's profits increased by 20 percent this year. [percent: noun]
rate
Example
The interest rate on my credit card is 15 percent. [rate: noun]
Example
The crime rate in the city has decreased by 10 percent. [rate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Percent is more commonly used than rate in everyday language, especially in finance and statistics. However, rate is also widely used in various fields, including science, medicine, and economics.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between percent and rate?
Both percent and rate can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and audience. However, percent is more commonly associated with formal language, while rate is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
