What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rating
Example
The restaurant received a high rating for its excellent service and delicious food. [rating: noun]
Example
I rated the movie five stars because I really enjoyed it. [rated: past tense verb]
evaluation
Example
The teacher's evaluation of the student's essay was very helpful in identifying areas for improvement. [evaluation: noun]
Example
I am evaluating different options before making a decision. [evaluating: present participle verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rating is more commonly used than evaluation in everyday language, especially in consumer or entertainment contexts. Evaluation is more formal and often used in academic, professional, or organizational contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rating and evaluation?
While rating can be used in both formal and informal contexts, evaluation is more formal and typically used in professional or academic settings.