What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
housing
Example
The government is working on providing affordable housing for low-income families. [housing: noun]
Example
The housing market has been booming in recent years. [housing: adjective]
Example
We need to start looking for housing options before our lease ends. [housing: gerund or present participle]
residence
Example
My parents' residence is located in the suburbs. [residence: noun]
Example
I am currently staying at my friend's residence while I look for a job. [residence: noun]
Example
He applied for permanent residence in Canada last year. [residence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Housing is a more commonly used term than residence in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and situations. Residence is more commonly used in legal or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between housing and residence?
Residence is generally considered a more formal term than housing, which is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
