What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
protest
Example
The students organized a protest against the new tuition fees. [protest: noun]
Example
The workers protested outside the factory, demanding better working conditions. [protested: past tense]
demonstration
Example
The environmentalists organized a demonstration to raise awareness about climate change. [demonstration: noun]
Example
The activists demonstrated outside the embassy, demanding justice for the victims. [demonstrated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Protest is more commonly used than demonstration in everyday language. Protest is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while demonstration is less common and often used in specific contexts such as activism or social justice movements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between protest and demonstration?
Both protest and demonstration can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. However, protest can be associated with a more confrontational or disruptive tone, while demonstration is often viewed more positively as a form of civic engagement.
