What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
jails
Example
He was held in the county jail for two weeks before his trial. [jail: noun]
Example
She was jailed for a night after being caught shoplifting. [jailed: verb]
penitentiary
Example
He was sentenced to life in the federal penitentiary for his involvement in the drug trade. [penitentiary: noun]
Example
The notorious criminal was transferred to a maximum-security penitentiary. [penitentiary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jails are more commonly used in everyday language than penitentiaries. Jails are often mentioned in news reports and crime dramas, while penitentiaries are less frequently referenced.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between jails and penitentiary?
Penitentiary is a more formal term than jail. Penitentiary is often used in legal contexts or official documents, while jail is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
