What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
resume
Example
I need to update my resume before I apply for this job. [resume: noun]
Example
She will resume her job search after taking a break. [resume: verb]
biography
Example
I read a biography of Martin Luther King Jr. for my history class. [biography: noun]
Example
The author is currently writing a biography of a famous musician. [biography: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Resume is more commonly used than biography in everyday language, especially in professional contexts. Biography is more commonly used in literary or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between resume and biography?
Resume is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, while biography can be more casual or literary depending on the context.