What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alias
Example
The author wrote under the alias of Mark Twain. [alias: preposition]
Example
The criminal used several aliases to avoid being caught. [aliases: plural noun]
pseudonym
Example
George Orwell is a pseudonym for Eric Arthur Blair. [pseudonym: noun]
Example
The blogger writes under a pseudonym to protect their privacy. [pseudonym: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alias is more commonly used than pseudonym in everyday language, especially in legal or criminal contexts. Pseudonym is less common but is still widely used in artistic or creative fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alias and pseudonym?
Both alias and pseudonym are relatively formal words, but alias may be perceived as more informal due to its association with criminal activity.
