What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
handbill
Example
The local store was handing out handbills advertising their sale. [handbill: noun]
Example
He spent the afternoon distributing handbills for his new business. [handbills: verb]
leaflet
Example
The museum had a stack of leaflets with information about their exhibits. [leaflet: noun]
Example
She spent the morning leafleting the neighborhood with information about the upcoming election. [leafleting: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Leaflet is more commonly used than handbill in everyday language. Leaflet is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while handbill is less common and may be associated with more informal or grassroots contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between handbill and leaflet?
While handbill may have a more informal or grassroots connotation, leaflet is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.