What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prelim
Example
The athletes will compete in the prelims before advancing to the finals. [prelims: noun]
Example
I need to take the prelim exam before I can enroll in the advanced course. [prelim: noun]
Example
This is just a prelim version of the report, we still need to make some revisions. [prelim: adjective]
preliminary
Example
We need to conduct a preliminary study before we can start the project. [preliminary: adjective]
Example
The police conducted a preliminary investigation to gather evidence. [preliminary: adjective]
Example
The preliminary results show that the hypothesis may be correct. [preliminary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preliminary is more commonly used than prelim in everyday language. Preliminary is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while prelim is more specific to sports or competitions.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between prelim and preliminary?
Preliminary is a more formal word than prelim. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in formal writing or speech.
