What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grocery
Example
I need to stop by the grocery store to pick up some milk. [grocery: noun]
Example
She spent the afternoon grocery shopping for the week. [grocery: gerund or present participle]
supermarket
Example
I prefer to do my grocery shopping at the supermarket because they have a wider selection. [supermarket: noun]
Example
The supermarket was crowded on Saturday afternoon with shoppers stocking up for the week. [supermarket: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Supermarket is more commonly used than grocery in everyday language. Supermarket is a more versatile term that covers a wider range of stores, while grocery is more specific to smaller stores that sell food and household items.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between grocery and supermarket?
Both grocery and supermarket are generally informal terms, but supermarket may be slightly more formal due to its association with larger and more modern stores.
