What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shop
Example
I need to stop by the flower shop to pick up some roses. [shop: noun]
Example
She likes to shop for clothes on the weekends. [shop: verb]
Example
The new coffee shop on the corner is always busy. [shop: noun]
store
Example
I need to go to the store to buy some groceries. [store: noun]
Example
He works at a sporting goods store in the mall. [store: noun]
Example
We need to store the winter clothes in the attic until next year. [store: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Store is more commonly used than shop in American English, while shop is more common in British English. However, both words are widely used and understood in both dialects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shop and store?
Both shop and store can be used in formal and informal contexts, but store may be slightly more formal due to its more generic connotation.
