What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undertaught
Example
The students were undertaught in mathematics and struggled with basic concepts. [undertaught: adjective]
Example
The company's employees were undertaught in digital marketing, resulting in poor online performance. [undertaught: past participle]
illiterate
Example
Many adults in the rural areas are illiterate and cannot fill out forms or read instructions. [illiterate: adjective]
Example
The child was illiterate in English and struggled to keep up with the class. [illiterate: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Illiterate is more commonly used than undertaught in everyday language, especially when referring to basic literacy skills. However, undertaught may be more appropriate in certain contexts, such as discussing a lack of education or training in a specific subject or field.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between undertaught and illiterate?
Undertaught may be considered more formal than illiterate, as it is less commonly used and often used in academic or professional settings to describe a lack of education or training in a specific subject or field.
