Exam vs Examination: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Exams and examinations are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but are they really the same thing? Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two words.

It’s important to note that both exam and examination are considered proper words in the English language. However, exam is the more commonly used term in everyday conversation and informal writing, while examination is typically used in more formal or academic contexts.

So, what do these two words actually mean? Exam is short for examination, and both words refer to a formal test or evaluation of someone’s knowledge, skills, or abilities. However, examination tends to imply a more thorough and comprehensive evaluation, often over a longer period of time and covering a wider range of topics or subjects.

For example, a student might take an exam in a specific subject, such as math or science, which would typically cover a smaller set of topics and take place over a shorter period of time, such as a few hours. On the other hand, a professional might undergo a certification examination, which could take several days and cover a much wider range of topics related to their field of expertise.

Throughout this article, we’ll explore the differences between exams and examinations in more detail, including their formats, purposes, and typical use cases. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of when to use each term and how to distinguish between them.

Define Exam

An exam, short for examination, is a formal assessment of a student’s knowledge and skills in a particular subject or field. It is typically administered by an educational institution or a professional organization and serves as a measure of a student’s academic performance. Exams can take various forms, such as written, oral, or practical, and can cover a wide range of topics, from general knowledge to specialized subjects.

Define Examination

Examination is a broader term that encompasses any formal assessment of a person’s abilities, knowledge, or performance in a particular area. It can refer to exams, as well as other types of evaluations, such as medical examinations, job performance evaluations, or legal proceedings. The purpose of an examination is to gather information and make informed decisions based on the results. Examinations can be conducted by various entities, including educational institutions, government agencies, and private organizations.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence can make a huge difference in the clarity and accuracy of your message. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “exam” and “examination” properly in a sentence.

How To Use “Exam” In A Sentence

The word “exam” is a shortened form of the word “examination.” It is commonly used to refer to a test or assessment that measures a person’s knowledge or skills in a particular subject.

Here are some examples of how to use “exam” in a sentence:

• I have an exam in math tomorrow.
• She passed her driving exam on the first try.
• The final exam will cover everything we’ve learned this semester.

As you can see, “exam” is typically used to refer to a specific test or assessment. It is often used in casual conversation and in educational settings.

How To Use “Examination” In A Sentence

The word “examination” is a more formal and comprehensive term than “exam.” It can refer to a thorough inspection, investigation, or analysis of something.

Here are some examples of how to use “examination” in a sentence:

• The doctor conducted a thorough examination of the patient’s symptoms.
• The police conducted an examination of the crime scene to gather evidence.
• The company is undergoing an examination of its financial records.

As you can see, “examination” is often used in professional, scientific, or legal contexts to refer to a detailed analysis or investigation. It can also refer to a medical checkup or physical examination.

Overall, it is important to use the words “exam” and “examination” correctly in order to convey your message clearly and accurately. By understanding the differences between these two terms, you can use them effectively in your writing and communication.

More Examples Of Exam & Examination Used In Sentences

As mentioned earlier, the terms “exam” and “examination” are often used interchangeably. Here are some more examples of how they are used in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Exam” In A Sentence

• I have to study for my final exam next week.
• She aced her math exam and got an A.
• The exam was much harder than I anticipated.
• He was nervous about taking the exam, but he did well.
• The exam room was quiet except for the sound of pencils scratching on paper.
• After the exam, the students were relieved it was over.
• The exam covered a lot of material, so I had to study for hours.
• She failed her driving exam the first time, but passed on her second attempt.
• The teacher handed out the exam and gave the students two hours to complete it.
• He was disappointed with his grade on the exam, but he knew he could do better next time.

Examples Of Using “Examination” In A Sentence

• The doctor recommended a thorough examination of my knee to determine the cause of the pain.
• The examination of the crime scene took several hours.
• She passed her medical examination with flying colors.
• The company’s financial examination revealed some troubling discrepancies.
• The examination of the evidence led the investigators to the suspect.
• The examination of the patient’s eyes showed no signs of disease.
• The examination of the documents revealed a pattern of fraud.
• The athlete had to undergo a physical examination before being cleared to play.
• The examination of the painting revealed it to be a forgery.
• The examination of the witness was intense and lasted for several hours.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “exam” and “examination,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, there are significant differences between the two that should not be overlooked. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using “Exam” And “Examination” Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “exam” and “examination” as if they mean the same thing. While they are similar, they have different meanings. An exam refers to a test or evaluation that typically covers a specific subject or course. On the other hand, an examination refers to a more comprehensive evaluation that may cover a broader range of topics.

For example, if you are taking a math course, you might have a midterm exam and a final exam. However, if you are pursuing a medical degree, you might have a comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of medicine.

2. Using “Exam” As A Verb

Another common mistake people make is using “exam” as a verb. While it may seem natural to say “I need to exam this patient,” the correct verb form is “examine.” Exam is a noun, not a verb.

3. Using “Examination” When Referring To A Single Test

It’s also important to note that “examination” is typically used when referring to a series of tests or evaluations, rather than a single test. If you are referring to a single test, it’s more appropriate to use the word “exam.”

4. Confusing “Exam” With “Test”

Finally, another common mistake people make is using “exam” and “test” interchangeably. While they are similar, they have different connotations. An exam is typically more formal and comprehensive than a test, which may be more informal and cover a smaller range of topics.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Always double-check your usage of “exam” and “examination” to ensure you are using the correct word.
• Use “examine” as the verb form of “examination.”
• Use “exam” when referring to a single test.
• Think carefully about whether an “exam” or a “test” is more appropriate for what you are trying to convey.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “exam” and “examination,” context is key. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, there are certain situations where one might be more appropriate than the other. Understanding these nuances can help you communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts where the choice between “exam” and “examination” might change:

Academic Settings

In academic settings, both “exam” and “examination” are commonly used to refer to a test or evaluation of a student’s knowledge or abilities. However, there may be subtle differences in usage depending on the specific context. For example:

• “Exam” is often used to refer to a specific test or evaluation that is part of a larger course or program of study. For example, a student might say, “I have an exam in my math class next week.”
• “Examination” is sometimes used to refer to the overall process of testing and evaluation in an academic setting. For example, a teacher might say, “The examination period will last two weeks.”

Medical Settings

In medical settings, the distinction between “exam” and “examination” is often more pronounced. Here are some examples:

• “Exam” is commonly used to refer to a physical examination or medical check-up. For example, a doctor might say, “Let’s start with a quick exam to check your vitals.”
• “Examination” is often used to refer to a more in-depth diagnostic procedure or medical test. For example, a patient might be scheduled for an “examination” to determine the cause of their symptoms.

Legal Settings

In legal settings, the choice between “exam” and “examination” can also depend on the specific context. Here are some examples:

• “Exam” is sometimes used to refer to a written test or evaluation in a legal context. For example, a law student might say, “I have an exam in my contracts class next week.”
• “Examination” is often used to refer to a formal questioning or cross-examination of a witness in a legal proceeding. For example, a lawyer might say, “I will begin my examination of the witness.”

Overall, the choice between “exam” and “examination” depends on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding these nuances, you can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rules for using exam and examination are straightforward, there are a few exceptions that are worth noting. In some cases, the rules might not apply due to contextual or regional differences.

1. Legal Terminology

In the legal field, exam is often used as shorthand for examination. This usage is considered acceptable and even preferred in legal documents and proceedings. For example:

Incorrect Usage	Correct Usage
The defendant will undergo an examination by a medical expert.	The defendant will undergo a medical exam.

2. Regional Differences

There are also some regional differences in the usage of exam and examination. In British English, examination is more commonly used than exam, while the opposite is true for American English. However, this is not a hard and fast rule and can vary depending on the context. For example:

• In British English, students take exams at the end of the academic year.
• In American English, students take examinations at the end of the semester.

It’s worth noting that these regional differences are becoming less pronounced as English becomes more globalized.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of exam and examination is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some practice exercises that will help you become more comfortable with these terms:

Exercise 1:

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence below:

Sentence	Word Choices
1. I have an _______ in math tomorrow.	exam / examination
2. The _______ for this course is very difficult.	exam / examination
3. The professor gave us a surprise _______ today.	exam / examination

Answer Key:

• 1. exam
• 2. examination
• 3. exam

Exercise 2:

Write a sentence using each of the words below:

• Exam
• Examination

Example answers:

• She studied all night for her final exam.
• The examination was administered online.

Explanation:

An exam is a formal test of knowledge or ability, usually given in writing or orally. An examination is a formal test of knowledge or ability that often includes a written or practical component. Both words can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but there are also situations where one word is more appropriate than the other.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between exam and examination, it is clear that these two terms are often used interchangeably, but they do have subtle differences in their meanings and usage. An exam typically refers to a specific test or assessment, while an examination can refer to a more general evaluation or inspection.

It is important to be mindful of these nuances in order to use these terms correctly in writing and conversation. Additionally, paying attention to grammar and language use in general can greatly improve communication skills and enhance one’s professional and personal relationships.

Key Takeaways

• Exam and examination are similar terms but have subtle differences in meaning and usage.
• An exam typically refers to a specific test or assessment, while an examination can refer to a more general evaluation or inspection.
• Paying attention to grammar and language use can improve communication skills and enhance professional and personal relationships.

Overall, understanding the nuances of language use can greatly benefit individuals in all aspects of their lives. By continuing to learn and improve upon language skills, one can become a more effective communicator and achieve greater success in their personal and professional endeavors.