What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
volunteer
Example
I decided to volunteer at the animal shelter on weekends. [volunteer: verb]
Example
The volunteers helped clean up the park after the event. [volunteers: noun]
aid
Example
The Red Cross provided aid to the victims of the natural disaster. [aid: noun]
Example
She offered to aid her elderly neighbor with grocery shopping. [aid: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Aid is more commonly used than volunteer in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of situations and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Volunteer is more specific to community-based initiatives and is often associated with unpaid work.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between volunteer and aid?
Aid is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while volunteer is typically associated with informal or community-based initiatives and may not be appropriate in formal settings.