Cool MateInterface vs Link
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Interface
Top 1,000 (very common)C1noun
Link
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Interface | Link | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪntəfeɪs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪntərfeɪs/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/lɪŋk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/lɪŋk/"]/ |
| Meaning | The way different things work together or connect. | A connection between things. |
| Example | a user-friendly interface | Please click on the link to visit the website. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | user interface, interface design, graphical interface | close, tight, inextricable, have, build, create, connect something, exist, road, link across, link between, link in, close, tight, inextricable, have, build, create, connect something, exist, road, link across, link between, link in, audio, video, radio, have, establish, lose, via a/the link, link to, link via, embedded, hypertext, Internet, have, add, build, lead to something, point to something, work, link to |
| Antonyms | separation, isolation, disconnect | disconnect, detach, divide |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'interface' with 'interact', Using 'interface' as a verb instead of a noun, Mispronouncing it with incorrect stress on syllables | Confused with 'link' as a noun and verb, forgetting to use the right form., Using 'link' when a stronger word like 'connect' is needed in formal writing., Overusing 'link' instead of 'connection' in context. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in tech and design contexts. Avoid in everyday conversation unless talking specifically about technology. Can imply a professional or technical context. | Use 'link' in both formal and informal situations. In academic writing, it often refers to ideas or arguments connected logically. Avoid it in contexts requiring very precise language. |
Frequently asked questions: Interface vs Link
What's the difference between Interface and Link?
Interface: The way different things work together or connect. Link: A connection between things.
Are Interface and Link the same CEFR level?
Interface: C1, Link: A2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Interface and Link interchangeably?
Not always. Interface and Link 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.