What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rows
Example
The students sat in rows facing the teacher. [rows: noun]
Example
The garden was planted in neat rows of vegetables. [rows: noun]
Example
She rows every morning on the lake for exercise. [rows: verb]
file
Example
The soldiers marched in a single file towards the base. [file: noun]
Example
I need to find that document in my file cabinet. [file: noun]
Example
She filed the papers alphabetically for easy reference. [filed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
File is more commonly used than row in everyday language. File is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while row is less common and refers to a specific type of arrangement.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between rows and file?
While file can be used in both formal and informal contexts, row is typically associated with a more formal tone and is often used in academic or technical writing.