What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
automobile
Example
He bought a new automobile for his daily commute. [automobile: noun]
Example
The automobile industry has seen significant advancements in technology. [automobile: adjective]
car
Example
She drives her car to work every day. [car: noun]
Example
We took a road trip in our car last summer. [car: possessive pronoun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Car is more commonly used than automobile in everyday language. Car is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts and is easily understood by people of all English proficiency levels. On the other hand, automobile is less common and tends to be used in more formal or technical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between automobile and car?
While automobile is associated with a more formal tone, car is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Car is the preferred term in everyday conversations and is suitable for all levels of formality.
