What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
communism
Example
In communism, the government owns all the land and means of production. [communism: noun]
Example
The country aims to transition to communism, where everyone shares equally in the wealth. [communism: noun]
socialism
Example
The government implemented socialist policies to ensure access to healthcare for all citizens. [socialist: adjective]
Example
The country has a mixed economy with elements of socialism and capitalism. [socialism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Socialism is more commonly used and has been implemented in various countries around the world. Communism, on the other hand, has been less prevalent in practice.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between communism and socialism?
Both communism and socialism are formal terms used in political and academic contexts.
