officer or officials

[jasonlulu_2000]

________ from Greenwich Observatory have the clock checked twice a day.

Are "Officials"and "Officers" both acceptable in this blank?

Thanks!

Jason

[5jj]

I would expect only 'officials'.

[jasonlulu_2000]

Thanks! So can you tell me the subtle difference? I cannot find it in an Oxford dictionary.

[5jj]

An official is someone who is engaged in official duties. An officer holds a commissioned rank in the armed services or, technically, someone who has some form of legal responsibility in a company.

[emsr2d2]

They simply don't have officers based at Greenwich Royal Observatory.