What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
coups
Example
The military staged a coup and overthrew the government. [coup: noun]
Example
The general led a coup against the president and took control of the country. [coup: verb]
revolution
Example
The French Revolution was a turning point in European history. [revolution: noun]
Example
The people rose up in revolution against the dictator. [revolution: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Revolution is more commonly used than coup in everyday language, as it is a broader term that covers a wider range of contexts. Coup is a more specific term that is often associated with military or political elites seizing power.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between coups and revolution?
Both coup and revolution can be used in formal and informal contexts, but coup may be perceived as more formal due to its association with political and military jargon.
