Cool MateJoint vs Link
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Joint
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
Link
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Most common: Link
| Joint | Link | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dʒɔɪnt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dʒɔɪnt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/lɪŋk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/lɪŋk/"]/ |
| Meaning | A place where two parts meet or connect. | A connection between things. |
| Example | a joint account *(= a bank account in the name of more than one person, for example shared by a couple)* | Please click on the link to visit the website. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | noun |
| Collocations | joint venture, joint effort, joint decision, joint account, joint meeting | 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 | separate, disjointed | disconnect, detach, divide |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'joined' as a verb., Used incorrectly as a synonym for 'single'., Mistaken plural forms, e.g., 'joints' used in singular contexts. | 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 | Used in a range of contexts, including anatomy, business (joint venture), and social gatherings (joint meeting). Avoid in overly formal contexts or when discussing separate entities. | 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. |
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Frequently asked questions: Joint vs Link
What's the difference between Joint and Link?
Joint: A place where two parts meet or connect. Link: A connection between things.
Which is more common: Joint and Link?
Link is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Joint and Link?
Joint is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Joint and Link the same CEFR level?
Joint: B2, Link: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Joint and Link?
Joint: adjective, Link: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Joint: a joint account *(= a bank account in the name of more than one person, for example shared by a couple)* Link: Please click on the link to visit the website.
Can I use Joint and Link interchangeably?
Not always. Joint 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.