Cool MateEmploy vs Hire
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Employ | Hire | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To use someone in a job or to hire someone. | To pay someone to do a job. |
| CEFR level | A2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in business contexts. Not appropriate in casual conversations when referring to hiring friends or family. Use 'hire' in less formal situations. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Suitable for job-related discussions but less appropriate for casual conversations unless referring to a personal task. |
Frequently asked questions: Employ vs Hire
What's the difference between "Employ" and "Hire"?
"Employ" means: To use someone in a job or to hire someone. "Hire" means: To pay someone to do a job.
When should I use "Employ" and "Hire"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Employ" and "Hire" the same CEFR level?
"Employ" is at A2, "Hire" is at B1 on the CEFR scale.