Chemistry vs Science

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

	Chemistry	Science
Meaning	The study of substances and how they change.	The study of how things work in the natural world.
CEFR level	A2	A1
Part of speech	noun	noun
Usage notes	Used in academic and scientific contexts. It’s appropriate in education settings or when discussing science, but less common in casual conversations unless related to a specific topic like cooking.	Use 'science' in both formal and informal contexts when discussing biology, chemistry, physics, etc. It's appropriate in classrooms and conversations, but avoid it in casual contexts where simpler terms like 'study' might fit better.

Frequently asked questions: Chemistry vs Science

What's the difference between "Chemistry" and "Science"?

"Chemistry" means: The study of substances and how they change. "Science" means: The study of how things work in the natural world.

When should I use "Chemistry" and "Science"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Chemistry" and "Science" the same CEFR level?

"Chemistry" is at A2, "Science" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.