What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tax
Example
I have to file my income tax return by April 15th. [tax: noun]
Example
The government increased the sales tax on luxury items. [tax: noun]
Example
I need to hire an accountant to help me with my taxes. [taxes: plural noun]
assessment
Example
The teacher gave us an assessment to test our knowledge of the subject. [assessment: noun]
Example
The real estate agent conducted an assessment of the property's value. [assessment: noun]
Example
I had to pay an assessment fee for the building's maintenance. [assessment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tax is a more common word than assessment in everyday language, as it is a widely recognized term related to government charges. Assessment is less common and often used in specific contexts such as property appraisal or performance evaluation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tax and assessment?
Tax is typically associated with formal and official contexts, while assessment can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.