What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
congress
Example
The congress will convene next week to discuss the new policy. [congress: noun]
Example
The senator was elected to serve in the United States Congress. [Congress: proper noun]
Example
The World Medical Congress is held every year to discuss the latest developments in medicine. [congress: noun]
conference
Example
The conference on climate change will be held next month. [conference: noun]
Example
I attended a conference on artificial intelligence last year. [conference: noun]
Example
The two countries held a conference to discuss trade relations. [conference: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conference is more commonly used than congress in everyday language. Conference is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while congress is less common and usually associated with political or legislative matters.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between congress and conference?
Congress is typically more formal than conference, as it involves elected officials or representatives and is often associated with political or legislative matters. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.