What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
schema
Example
The schema for the database was well-designed and easy to understand. [schema: noun]
Example
She created a schema to organize her research notes before writing her paper. [schema: noun]
diagram
Example
The teacher drew a diagram on the board to explain the water cycle. [diagram: noun]
Example
He diagrammed the steps of the process to make it easier to understand. [diagram: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Diagram is more commonly used than schema in everyday language. Diagram is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while schema is more specialized and technical.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between schema and diagram?
While schema is typically associated with a technical or specialized tone, diagram is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
