What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proforma
Example
The proforma invoice estimated the total cost of the project. [proforma: adjective]
Example
We received a proforma statement of accounts before finalizing the deal. [proforma: noun]
preliminary
Example
The team conducted a preliminary analysis of the data before presenting their findings. [preliminary: adjective]
Example
The preliminary results showed a positive trend, but further research is needed. [preliminary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preliminary is more commonly used than proforma in everyday language. Preliminary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while proforma is less common and refers specifically to financial estimates or projections.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proforma and preliminary?
Proforma is more formal than preliminary and is often used in official documents or reports. Preliminary, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
