What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
penitentiary
Example
He was sentenced to life in the penitentiary for his crimes. [penitentiary: noun]
Example
The penitentiary offers various programs to help inmates learn new skills. [penitentiary: adjective]
prison
Example
He spent five years in prison for his involvement in the robbery. [prison: noun]
Example
The prison guards keep a close watch on the inmates to prevent any escape attempts. [prison: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prison is more commonly used than penitentiary in everyday language. Prison is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while penitentiary is less common and has a more formal or legal connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between penitentiary and prison?
Penitentiary is typically associated with a more formal or legal tone, while prison can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
