Admission vs Entrance

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Admission

Top 2,000 (common)C1noun

Entrance

Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Most common: Entrance
 AdmissionEntrance
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ədˈmɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ədˈmɪʃn/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˈentrəns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈentrəns/"]/
MeaningThe process of being allowed to enter a place or organization.A way to get into a place.
ExampleThe admission policy of the university was recently updated to include more diverse applicants.The entrance to the museum is located on the east side of the building.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR levelC1B1
Part of speechnounnoun
Collocationsfree, half-price, emergency, apply for, seek, gain, charge, fee, price, on admission, admission to, clear, frank, full, make, admission of, an admission of defeat, an admission of failure, an admission of guilt, free, half-price, emergency, apply for, seek, gain, charge, fee, price, on admission, admission tonarrow, wide, main, use, mark, have, area, foyer, hall, at the entrance, by an/​the entrance, in the entrance, big, dramatic, grand, make, gain, entrance into, gain, deny somebody, charge, fee, ticket, big, dramatic, grand, make, gain, entrance into
Antonymsexclusion, refusalexit, departure
Common mistakes'Admission' is often confused with 'admittance' — remember 'admission' is the process, while 'admittance' refers to being allowed in., Learners sometimes use 'admission' incorrectly in phrases like 'I admission to the concert' instead of 'I got admission to the concert.', 'Admission' is misused in informal contexts, using more casual words would be more appropriate.Mixing up with 'entrance' as a verb meaning to charm someone., Using 'entrance' to refer to internal access, like inside a house., Confusing 'entrance' with 'entry' as if they mean the same in every context.
Usage notesTypically used in formal contexts such as schools, universities, and events. Avoid using in casual conversations where simpler terms like 'entry' might fit better.Use 'entrance' in formal and neutral contexts when referring to entrances to buildings or rooms. In more informal settings, it's also common to refer to a 'doorway' or 'entry'. Avoid using it when talking about feelings or emotions, as 'entrance' can also mean to delight or charm someone, which is less common.

Frequently asked questions: Admission vs Entrance

What's the difference between Admission and Entrance?

Admission: The process of being allowed to enter a place or organization. Entrance: A way to get into a place.

Which is more common: Admission and Entrance?

Entrance is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Admission and Entrance?

Admission is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.

Are Admission and Entrance the same CEFR level?

Admission: C1, Entrance: B1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Admission and Entrance?

Admission: noun, Entrance: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Admission: The admission policy of the university was recently updated to include more diverse applicants. Entrance: The entrance to the museum is located on the east side of the building.

Can I use Admission and Entrance interchangeably?

Not always. Admission and Entrance are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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