What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sergeant
Example
The sergeant gave orders to the troops. [sergeant: noun]
Example
He was promoted to sergeant after serving for five years. [sergeant: adjective]
Example
The sergeant was responsible for training new recruits. [sergeant: noun]
officer
Example
The officer gave orders to the troops. [officer: noun]
Example
She was promoted to officer after completing her training. [officer: noun]
Example
The company officer was responsible for making important decisions. [officer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Officer is more commonly used than sergeant in everyday language, especially in law enforcement contexts. Sergeant is a specific rank that is less common and is often associated with the military.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sergeant and officer?
Officer is generally considered more formal than sergeant, as it is a higher rank and carries more authority and responsibility. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
