What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
downstairs
Example
I'm going downstairs to get some water. [downstairs: adverb]
Example
The bedrooms are all upstairs, and the living room is downstairs. [downstairs: noun]
basement
Example
The basement is where we keep all of our extra boxes and supplies. [basement: noun]
Example
We turned the basement into a game room with a pool table and a dartboard. [basement: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Downstairs is more commonly used than basement in everyday language. Downstairs is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while basement is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between downstairs and basement?
Both downstairs and basement are typically associated with an informal tone, but basement may be considered slightly more formal due to its specificity and association with home architecture and design.
