What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
used
Example
I used to play soccer when I was younger. [used: past tense]
Example
This car has been used for several years. [used: adjective]
Example
He used his phone to take a picture of the sunset. [used: verb]
familiar
Example
The song was familiar to everyone in the room. [familiar: adjective]
Example
I am familiar with this neighborhood since I grew up here. [familiar: preposition]
Example
She had a familiar feeling of deja vu when she entered the room. [familiar: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Used is more commonly used than familiar in everyday language. Used is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while familiar is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between used and familiar?
Both used and familiar can be used in various formality levels, allowing them to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
