What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
capitals
Example
Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States. [capital: noun]
Example
London is one of the world's major capitals, with a rich history and diverse culture. [capitals: plural noun]
downtown
Example
Let's go downtown and explore the shops and restaurants. [downtown: adverb]
Example
The hotel is located in the heart of downtown, close to all the major attractions. [downtown: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Downtown is more commonly used than capitals in everyday language, especially in urban contexts. Downtown is a term that is widely understood and used in many cities around the world. Capitals, on the other hand, is a more specific term that is mainly used when referring to the official seat of government.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between capitals and downtown?
While capitals is associated with a formal and official tone, downtown is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Downtown is often used in casual conversations and everyday language to describe the vibrant and bustling areas of a city.