What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prose
Example
The author's prose was simple and easy to understand. [prose: noun]
Example
She wrote prose that was both engaging and thought-provoking. [prose: adjective]
text
Example
I need to read the text before I can give you my opinion. [text: noun]
Example
He texted me to let me know he would be late. [texted: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Text is more commonly used than prose in everyday language. Text is a versatile term that can refer to any written material, while prose is a literary term that is more commonly used in academic or creative writing contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prose and text?
While prose is typically associated with a formal or literary tone, text can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on its purpose and audience.