What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
agencies
Example
The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for enforcing environmental laws. [agency: noun]
Example
We hired a travel agency to help us plan our vacation. [agency: noun]
Example
The agency of volunteers worked together to clean up the park. [agency: collective noun]
department
Example
I work in the marketing department of a large corporation. [department: noun]
Example
The Department of Education oversees public schools and education policy. [department: proper noun]
Example
The hospital has a department dedicated to pediatric care. [department: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Department is more commonly used than agency in everyday language. Department is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while agency is less common and refers to more specific organizations or functions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between agencies and department?
While agency can have a more formal or official connotation, department is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
