What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tier
Example
The cake had three tiers, each decorated with a different frosting. [tier: noun]
Example
The company's pricing plans have different tiers based on the number of features included. [tier: adjective]
rank
Example
He was promoted to the rank of captain after years of service. [rank: noun]
Example
The CEO holds the highest rank in the company. [rank: noun]
Example
She ranked first in her class for the semester. [ranked: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rank is more commonly used than tier in everyday language. Rank is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tier is less common and often used in specific contexts such as architecture, pricing plans, or wedding cakes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tier and rank?
Both tier and rank can be used in formal and informal contexts, but rank is more commonly used in formal settings such as military or business organizations.
