What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
procedural
Example
The procedural manual outlines the steps for completing the task. [procedural: adjective]
Example
The team followed the procedural guidelines to ensure safety. [procedural: noun]
methodical
Example
She took a methodical approach to solving the problem. [methodical: adjective]
Example
He worked in a methodical manner to ensure accuracy. [methodical: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Methodical is more commonly used than procedural in everyday language. Methodical is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while procedural is less common and often used in specific contexts such as legal or bureaucratic processes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between procedural and methodical?
Both procedural and methodical can be used in formal contexts, but procedural is more likely to be associated with formal language due to its use in legal or bureaucratic processes.