Guide vs Index

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

Guide

Top 1,000 (very common) A2 noun

Index

Top 2,000 (common) B2 noun

Most common: Guide

	Guide	Index
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //ɡaɪd// 🇺🇸 //ɡaɪd//	🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪndeks/","/ˈɪndɪsiːz/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪndeks/","/ˈɪndɪsiːz/"]/
Meaning	A person or thing that shows the way or provides help.	A list of items, usually showing where to find them.
Example	The guide helped us understand the history of the monument.	The book's index helps you find specific topics quickly.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level	A2	B2
Part of speech	noun	noun
Collocations	tour guide, study guide, travel guide	complete, comprehensive, detailed, appear in, be in, consult, give something, list something, card, in a/​the index, index to, good, reliable, sensitive, have, use (something as), compile, add something, gain something, increase, in an/​the index, on an/​the index, a drop in an index, a fall in an index, changes in an index, good, reliable, sensitive, have, use (something as), compile, add something, gain something, increase, in an/​the index, on an/​the index, a drop in an index, a fall in an index, changes in an index
Antonyms	follower, ignorant	disorder, chaos
Common mistakes	Confused with 'guidance' as in emotional support., Using 'guide' as a verb when referring to a pre-prepared document instead of a person., Mistakenly pluralizing 'guide' when referring to a type of book.	Using 'index' as a verb incorrectly., Confusing 'index' with 'inventory'., Not using 'index' for multiple items.
Usage notes	Used in contexts involving navigation, assistance, or information. Can refer to a person or a document. Not usually used in very formal contexts.	Use 'index' when discussing organization or reference materials. Avoid in casual conversation where simpler words like 'list' would suffice.

See it in real clips

She is a guide, Neo.

The Pitt › S1 E1

Next, we'll place the guide wire,

She is a guide, Neo.

The Pitt › S1 E1

Next, we'll place the guide wire,

Guide

Frequently asked questions: Guide vs Index

What's the difference between Guide and Index?

Guide: A person or thing that shows the way or provides help. Index: A list of items, usually showing where to find them.

Which is more common: Guide and Index?

Guide is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Guide and Index?

Index is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Guide and Index the same CEFR level?

Guide: A2, Index: B2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Guide and Index?

Guide: noun, Index: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Guide: The guide helped us understand the history of the monument. Index: The book's index helps you find specific topics quickly.

Can I use Guide and Index interchangeably?

Not always. Guide and Index 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.