What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
neighbor
Example
My neighbor helped me carry my groceries up the stairs. [neighbor: noun]
Example
We live in a neighborhood where everyone knows their neighbors. [neighbors: plural noun]
local
Example
I always buy my produce from the local farmer's market. [local: adjective]
Example
The locals recommended the best restaurant in town. [locals: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Local is more commonly used than neighbor in everyday language. Local is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while neighbor is more specific and is primarily used to refer to people who live nearby.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between neighbor and local?
Both neighbor and local are generally informal words, but local can be used in more formal contexts when referring to businesses or organizations within a specific area.