What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shantytown
Example
The government is planning to demolish the shantytown and relocate the residents to better housing. [shantytown: noun]
Example
Many people in the shantytown are struggling to make ends meet. [shantytown: adjective]
slum
Example
The city's slums are overcrowded and lack basic amenities like clean water and sanitation. [slums: plural noun]
Example
Many families in the slum are struggling to survive on low wages and limited resources. [slum: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slum is more commonly used than shantytown in everyday language. Slum is a more versatile term that covers a wider range of contexts, while shantytown is less common and more specific in its meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shantytown and slum?
Both shantytown and slum are informal terms and are not typically used in formal writing or speech. However, slum is more widely recognized and may be used in more formal contexts than shantytown.
