What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
staffed
Example
The hospital is fully staffed with doctors and nurses. [staffed: adjective]
Example
The customer service center is staffed 24/7 to assist customers. [staffed: verb]
manned
Example
The spacecraft was manned by a team of astronauts. [manned: verb]
Example
The border checkpoint is manned by customs officers. [manned: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Staffed is more commonly used than manned in everyday language, as it is a more modern and gender-neutral term that can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between staffed and manned?
While manned can have a more serious or formal connotation due to its association with military or space operations, staffed is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.