What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tariff
Example
The government imposed a tariff on steel imports to protect local manufacturers. [tariff: noun]
Example
The new tariff on luxury cars will make them more expensive for consumers. [tariff: adjective]
levy
Example
The government plans to levy a tax on sugary drinks to promote healthier choices. [levy: verb]
Example
The city council approved a levy on property owners to fund road repairs. [levy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tariff is a more specialized term and is less commonly used in everyday language than levy. Levy is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts and is more commonly used in both formal and informal settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between tariff and levy?
While both tariff and levy can be used in formal contexts, tariff is more commonly associated with formal or technical language due to its specialized use in international trade.