What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preliminary
Example
The team had a preliminary meeting to discuss their strategy. [preliminary: adjective]
Example
Before starting the experiment, we conducted a preliminary test to ensure accuracy. [preliminary: noun]
preparatory
Example
The athlete went through a preparatory training program before the competition. [preparatory: adjective]
Example
I enrolled in a preparatory course to improve my language skills before starting college. [preparatory: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preliminary is more commonly used in academic or professional contexts, such as scientific research or legal proceedings. On the other hand, preparatory is more commonly used in everyday language, such as preparing for a trip or a job interview.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preliminary and preparatory?
Preliminary is generally considered more formal than preparatory, which is often used in casual or informal contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and tone of the sentence.
