What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shops
Example
I need to go to the shops to buy some groceries. [shops: noun]
Example
She likes to window-shop at the trendy shops downtown. [shops: verb]
emporium
Example
The new emporium in town has everything from designer clothes to gourmet food. [emporium: noun]
Example
We spent the afternoon browsing the emporium's selection of fine jewelry. [emporium: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shops is a more common term than emporium in everyday language. Shops is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while emporium is less common and often associated with high-end or luxury shopping experiences.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shops and emporium?
Emporium is typically associated with a more formal tone, while shops can be used in both formal and informal contexts.