Synonyms in Detail: TV and telly Usage & Differences

What context can I use each word in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

TV

Example

I'm going to watch TV tonight. [TV: noun]

Example

TV has become a popular source of entertainment. [TV: noun]

Example

I love to relax and watch TV after a long day. [watching TV: gerund or present participle]

telly

Example

Let's watch something on the telly. [telly: noun]

Example

The telly is broken, we need to get it fixed. [telly: noun]

Example

I spent the whole day on the couch, just vegging out in front of the telly. [in front of the telly: prepositional phrase]

Good things to know

Which word is more common?

TV is more commonly used than telly in formal settings and worldwide, while telly is more commonly used in casual conversation and primarily in British English.

What’s the difference in the tone of formality between TV and telly?

TV is considered more formal than telly, which is considered more casual and colloquial.

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