What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bureaux
Example
The company has several bureaux located around the world. [bureaux: noun]
Example
She works in the finance bureau, handling budgeting and financial analysis. [bureau: noun]
department
Example
I work in the marketing department, focusing on advertising and promotions. [department: noun]
Example
The IT department is responsible for maintaining the company's computer systems. [department: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Department is more commonly used than bureaux in everyday language, especially in American English. Department is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts and can be used in various professional and informal settings. Bureaux, on the other hand, is less common and tends to be used in more formal or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bureaux and department?
While bureaux is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, department is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
