What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bar
Example
Let's meet at the bar after work for a drink. [bar: noun]
Example
She enjoys bartending at the local bar on weekends. [bartending: gerund or present participle]
pub
Example
We decided to grab a pint at the neighborhood pub. [pub: noun]
Example
He enjoys playing darts with his friends at the local pub. [playing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bar is more commonly used than pub in everyday language, especially in American English. Bar is a versatile term that covers a wide range of establishments, while pub is more specific and commonly used in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bar and pub?
Both bar and pub can be used in informal contexts. However, bar can also be used in formal settings, such as referring to a bar counter in a restaurant or hotel, while pub is typically associated with a more casual and relaxed tone.
