What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pavement
Example
The pavement was cracked and uneven, making it difficult to walk on. [pavement: noun]
Example
The workers were busy repairing the pavement on the street. [pavement: noun]
Example
She enjoyed sitting on the pavement in her backyard, watching the birds. [pavement: noun]
sidewalk
Example
The children rode their bikes on the sidewalk instead of the road. [sidewalk: noun]
Example
The couple strolled along the sidewalk, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. [sidewalk: noun]
Example
The mall was crowded, and people walked up and down the sidewalks, browsing the shops. [sidewalks: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sidewalk is more commonly used than pavement in everyday language. Sidewalk is a common term used in North America, while pavement is more commonly used in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pavement and sidewalk?
Both pavement and sidewalk are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
