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 major capitals of Europe. [capitals: plural noun]
metropolis
Example
New York City is a bustling metropolis with a diverse population. [metropolis: noun]
Example
Tokyo is known for its vibrant metropolis and futuristic skyline. [metropolis: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Metropolis is more commonly used than capitals in everyday language. Metropolis is a versatile term that can be applied to different cities around the world, while capitals is more specific and limited to the official seats of government.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between capitals and metropolis?
While capitals is typically associated with a formal tone, metropolis can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more flexible and widely applicable term.
