What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
secretariat
Example
The secretariat is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the company. [secretariat: noun]
Example
The secretariat has been working hard to prepare for the upcoming conference. [secretariat: collective noun]
Example
The meeting will be held at the secretariat's office in downtown. [secretariat's: possessive adjective]
bureau
Example
The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects and analyzes data on employment and wages. [Bureau: proper noun]
Example
The travel bureau can help you plan your next vacation. [bureau: common noun]
Example
She keeps her important documents in a bureau in her home office. [bureau: piece of furniture]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bureau is more commonly used than secretariat in everyday language, especially in the context of national or local government agencies or specialized offices. Secretariat is more commonly used in international organizations or government bodies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between secretariat and bureau?
Secretariat is typically associated with a more formal and bureaucratic tone, while bureau is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be associated with a more approachable and helpful tone.
