What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patrol
Example
The police officer went on patrol around the neighborhood. [patrol: noun]
Example
The security guard patrols the building every hour. [patrols: verb]
surveillance
Example
The store uses surveillance cameras to prevent theft. [surveillance: noun]
Example
The government is conducting surveillance on suspected terrorists. [surveillance: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surveillance is more commonly used than patrol in formal and technical contexts, such as law enforcement, security, and military. Patrol is more commonly used in everyday language and informal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between patrol and surveillance?
Surveillance is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while patrol is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
