What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
canton
Example
Zurich is a canton in Switzerland. [canton: noun]
Example
The cantonal government is responsible for education and healthcare. [cantonal: adjective]
province
Example
British Columbia is a province in Canada. [province: noun]
Example
The provincial government is responsible for infrastructure development. [provincial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Province is a more commonly used term compared to canton. Province is a versatile term that is used in various countries around the world, while canton is more specific to Switzerland.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between canton and province?
Both canton and province can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, province is more commonly used and recognized globally, making it slightly more formal in certain situations.
