What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
witness
Example
I was a witness to the accident and saw everything that happened. [witness: noun]
Example
She witnessed the crime and was called to testify in court. [witnessed: past tense verb]
testify
Example
The witness will testify in court tomorrow. [testify: verb]
Example
He testified that he saw the defendant at the scene of the crime. [testified: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Witness is more commonly used than testify in everyday language. Witness can be used in a variety of contexts, while testify is primarily used in a legal context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between witness and testify?
Testify is more formal than witness. It is typically used in legal settings and requires making a statement under oath. Witness, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
