What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tier
Example
The wedding cake had three tiers, each decorated with a different design. [tier: noun]
Example
The athletes were divided into different tiers based on their performance. [tier: adjective]
grade
Example
The restaurant received an A grade for its cleanliness and food safety. [grade: noun]
Example
I got a B+ in my math class last semester. [grade: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grade is more commonly used than tier in everyday language. Grade is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tier is less common and often used in specific business or organizational contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tier and grade?
Both tier and grade can be used in formal or informal contexts, but grade is more commonly used in academic or educational settings, which tend to be more formal.
