Are you confused about the difference between “team” and “crew”? Let’s break it down!
A “team” is a general term that refers to “a group of people who work together towards a common goal.” This term is commonly used in business and sports. For example, a sports team, a project team, or a research team.
Here are some more examples:
- Our team is working on a new project.
- Jeff Carter scored in the opening minute of the second and third periods for the Kings, who became the first road team to win in the series. (The New York Times – Sports)
- After three months of turbulent talks, and with cash reserves running perilously low, Greece’s leftist-led coalition reshuffled its negotiating team on Monday. (The Guardian – Business)
On the other hand, a “crew” also refers to a group of people who work together, but it is more specific, and people focus on a particular task or job. The term “crew” is commonly used in transportation or when referring to a group of friends, and in this case, the word becomes very colloquial. For example, a film crew, a construction crew, a flight crew, or a dance crew.
Here are some more examples:
- The cabin crew must explain safety rules.
- Those who went down on the Hunley comprised the third crew of the submarine. (The Guardian)
- Earl Sweatshirt: I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside Moody and introspective rap verses over jittery, self-produced beats on the Odd Future crew member’s latest. (The Guardian – Music)
In summary, while “team” is a general term used for any group of people working together towards a common goal, “crew” is more specific and typically used in the context of a particular job or task.
As usual, there is a small quiz for you to understand the difference better!