What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foreign
Example
I am learning a foreign language. [foreign: adjective]
Example
The restaurant serves foreign cuisine. [foreign: adjective]
Example
She felt foreign in the new city. [foreign: adjective]
alien
Example
The spaceship was piloted by an alien creature. [alien: noun]
Example
He felt like an alien in the new school. [alien: adjective]
Example
The concept of time travel is alien to me. [alien: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foreign is more commonly used than alien in everyday language, as it is a more versatile and neutral term. Alien is more commonly used in science fiction or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foreign and alien?
Foreign is a more formal term than alien, which is often associated with science fiction or popular culture. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
