What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
simple
Example
The instructions for assembling the furniture were simple and easy to follow. [simple: adjective]
Example
She prefers simple meals with just a few ingredients. [simple: adjective]
ordinary
Example
It was just an ordinary day at work, nothing exciting happened. [ordinary: adjective]
Example
He ordered the ordinary burger with fries. [ordinary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Simple is more commonly used than ordinary in everyday language. Simple is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ordinary is less common and typically used in specific situations to describe something that is not remarkable.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between simple and ordinary?
Both simple and ordinary can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, simple may be perceived as more casual and conversational, while ordinary can be used in more formal settings to describe something that is not exceptional.
