What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
football
Example
I love playing football with my friends on weekends. [football: noun]
Example
He scored a touchdown during the football game. [football: adjective]
soccer
Example
I used to play soccer when I was younger. [soccer: noun]
Example
She kicked the soccer ball into the goal. [soccer: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Soccer is more commonly used than football in most countries outside of the United States. In the United States, football refers to American football, which is a different sport altogether.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between football and soccer?
Both football and soccer are used in casual and formal contexts, depending on the situation and the audience. However, football may be considered more formal in the United States due to its association with college and professional sports.