What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
printed
Example
The company printed a thousand copies of their new brochure. [printed: verb]
Example
I have a printed copy of the article if you'd like to read it. [printed: adjective]
published
Example
The author published her first novel last year. [published: verb]
Example
This article was published in a prestigious academic journal. [published: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Published is more commonly used than printed in everyday language. Published is a more versatile term that covers a wider range of contexts, while printed is more specific and is typically used in the context of physical production.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between printed and published?
Both printed and published can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, published is often associated with a more formal tone, particularly when referring to the release of a written work.
