What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alley
Example
The alley behind the restaurant was filled with dumpsters. [alley: noun]
Example
He ran down the alley to escape from the police. [alley: noun]
passage
Example
The passage through the forest was difficult to navigate. [passage: noun]
Example
She walked down the passage to her office. [passage: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Passage is more commonly used than alley in everyday language. Passage is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while alley is less common and often associated with negative connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alley and passage?
Both alley and passage are relatively informal words, but passage can be used in more formal contexts due to its versatility and neutral connotation.