What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
house
Example
I live in a small house on the outskirts of town. [house: noun]
Example
We are planning to house the guests in the guest house. [house: verb]
residence
Example
The ambassador's residence is located in a luxurious part of the city. [residence: noun]
Example
My residence is in the suburbs, but I work in the city center. [residence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
House is more commonly used than residence in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts. Residence is a more formal term that is often used in legal or official contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between house and residence?
Residence is a more formal term than house, and it is often used in legal or official contexts. House is a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.