What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
toll
Example
The toll for crossing the bridge is $5. [toll: noun]
Example
The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on small businesses. [toll: figurative meaning]
Example
The church bells tolled solemnly as the funeral procession passed by. [tolled: past tense verb]
levy
Example
The government plans to levy a new tax on luxury goods. [levy: verb]
Example
The company was hit with a hefty levy for violating environmental regulations. [levy: noun]
Example
The king ordered a levy of soldiers to defend the kingdom. [levy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Toll is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in the context of transportation and infrastructure. Levy is less common and more formal, often used in legal or governmental contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between toll and levy?
Levy is more formal than toll and is often used in legal or governmental contexts. It may not be as familiar to ESL learners as toll, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
