What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cop
Example
The cop pulled over the speeding car. [cop: noun]
Example
He decided to become a cop after college. [cop: slang for police officer]
policeman
Example
The policeman helped the lost child find his way home. [policeman: noun]
Example
My uncle is a retired policeman. [policeman: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cop is more commonly used than policeman in everyday language, especially in American English. Policeman is more formal and less commonly used in modern times.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cop and policeman?
Policeman is a more formal term than cop, and it is typically used in more serious or professional contexts. Cop is more casual and informal, and it is often used in everyday conversation or in slang.
