What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relevant
Example
The article you wrote is very relevant to our discussion. [relevant: adjective]
Example
The data you presented is not relevant to our research question. [relevant: adjective]
Example
It's important to keep your skills relevant in today's job market. [relevant: adjective]
applicable
Example
The strategies you suggested are applicable to our project. [applicable: adjective]
Example
This law is not applicable to this case. [applicable: adjective]
Example
The skills you learned in this course are applicable in many different fields. [applicable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relevant is more commonly used than applicable in everyday language, and is often used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between relevant and applicable?
Relevant is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while applicable is typically used in practical or everyday situations and may have a slightly less formal connotation.
