What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ghetto
Example
The city's ghetto was known for its poverty and crime. [ghetto: noun]
Example
Many people were forced to live in the ghetto due to economic hardship. [ghetto: noun]
tenement
Example
The tenement building was old and run-down, with no elevator. [tenement: noun]
Example
Many immigrants lived in tenements when they first arrived in the city. [tenements: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ghetto is more commonly used than tenement in everyday language, especially in the United States. Tenement is a more technical term and is less commonly used outside of academic or historical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ghetto and tenement?
Both ghetto and tenement are informal words and are not typically used in formal writing or speech.
