What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
historical
Example
The museum has a collection of historical artifacts from ancient civilizations. [historical: adjective]
Example
She is studying historical events that shaped the world we live in today. [historical: adjective]
past
Example
He regrets his past mistakes and wishes he could go back and change them. [past: noun]
Example
The company has gone through many changes in the past few years. [past: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Past is more commonly used than historical in everyday language. Past is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while historical is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between historical and past?
Historical is typically associated with a more formal tone, while past is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
