What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
refinery
Example
The oil refinery produces gasoline and diesel fuel. [refinery: noun]
Example
The refinery process involves removing impurities from the raw material. [refinery: adjective]
factory
Example
The car factory produces thousands of vehicles every year. [factory: noun]
Example
The factory workers operate the machines to produce the goods. [factory: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Factory is more commonly used than refinery in everyday language. Factory is a versatile term that covers a wide range of industries, while refinery is more specific and associated with the oil and sugar industries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between refinery and factory?
Both refinery and factory can be used in formal and informal contexts, but refinery may be more formal due to its association with the chemical and petroleum industries.
