What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aliases
Example
The author wrote under the alias of John Smith. [alias: noun]
Example
He used several aliases to create multiple social media accounts. [aliases: plural noun]
pseudonym
Example
Mark Twain was the pseudonym used by Samuel Clemens. [pseudonym: noun]
Example
She published her book under a pseudonym to avoid being recognized. [pseudonym: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alias is more commonly used than pseudonym in everyday language, especially in legal and law enforcement contexts. Pseudonym is more commonly used in literary and artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aliases and pseudonym?
Alias is typically associated with a formal and legal tone, while pseudonym is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
