What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prioritize
Example
I need to prioritize my work assignments so that I can finish the most important ones first. [prioritize: verb]
Example
She prioritized her daily tasks by making a list and ranking them in order of importance. [prioritized: past tense]
classify
Example
The librarian will classify the books according to their genre and author. [classify: verb]
Example
The scientist classified the specimens based on their physical characteristics and DNA analysis. [classified: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prioritize is more commonly used than classify in everyday language. Prioritize is a versatile skill that can be applied in various situations, while classify is more specific and often used in academic or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prioritize and classify?
Both prioritize and classify can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, classify may be more commonly used in academic or technical writing, while prioritize may be more commonly used in business or professional settings.