What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lived
Example
I lived in New York City for five years. [lived: past tense]
Example
She has lived in this house for over a decade. [lived: present perfect tense]
inhabited
Example
The island is inhabited by a small community of fishermen. [inhabited: verb]
Example
This region has been inhabited for thousands of years. [inhabited: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lived is more commonly used in everyday language than inhabited, as it is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts. Inhabited is more commonly used in academic or scientific writing to describe the presence of people or animals in a particular area.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lived and inhabited?
Inhabited is generally considered more formal than lived, as it is often used in academic or scientific writing to describe the presence of people or animals in a particular area, while lived is more commonly used in everyday language to describe personal experiences of residing in a particular place.
