What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subspecies
Example
The African elephant has two subspecies: the savanna elephant and the forest elephant. [subspecies: noun]
Example
The scientists discovered a new subspecies of butterfly in the Amazon rainforest. [subspecies: adjective]
variety
Example
The grocery store had a variety of apples to choose from, including Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. [variety: noun]
Example
There are many varieties of roses, each with its own unique color and fragrance. [variety: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Variety is more commonly used than subspecies in everyday language, as it can be used to describe differences within a wide range of categories. Subspecies is a more technical term used primarily in scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subspecies and variety?
Subspecies is a more formal term used in scientific or technical contexts, while variety is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
