What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alcohol
Example
The bartender served us drinks with high alcohol content. [alcohol: noun]
Example
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to impaired judgment and coordination. [alcohol: noun]
Example
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs on your hands. [alcohol: adjective]
liquor
Example
I prefer to drink liquor straight up, without any mixers. [liquor: noun]
Example
Liquor is often used in cocktails to add flavor and potency. [liquor: noun]
Example
He poured himself a nip of liquor to warm up on a cold night. [liquor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alcohol is a more common term than liquor and is used in a wider range of contexts, including non-drinking uses. Liquor is less common and is typically used in more formal or upscale settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alcohol and liquor?
Liquor is often associated with a more formal or upscale setting, while alcohol is a more neutral term that can be used in various formality levels.
