What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
triad
Example
The chord progression includes a triad of notes. [triad: noun]
Example
The triad of friends always hung out together. [triad: noun]
Example
The police were investigating the activities of a local triad. [triad: noun]
trio
Example
The jazz trio played a beautiful rendition of the song. [trio: noun]
Example
The trio of coworkers collaborated on the project. [trio: noun]
Example
The trio of books all focused on the same theme. [trio: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trio is more commonly used than triad in everyday language. Trio is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while triad is less common and often used in specific contexts such as music or criminal organizations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between triad and trio?
Both triad and trio can be used in formal or informal contexts, but triad may be more formal due to its association with music theory and criminal organizations.
