What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slum
Example
The government needs to address the issue of slums in the city. [slums: plural noun]
Example
Many people are forced to live in slum conditions due to poverty. [slum: adjective]
tenement
Example
The tenement building was old and poorly maintained. [tenement: noun]
Example
The family lived in a small tenement apartment in the city. [tenement: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tenement is less commonly used than slum in everyday language. Slum is a more widely recognized term and is often used to describe impoverished neighborhoods in developing countries. Tenement is a more technical term used primarily in historical or academic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between slum and tenement?
Tenement is a more formal term than slum, which is often used in informal or colloquial contexts. Tenement is more likely to be used in academic or legal contexts, while slum is more commonly used in everyday conversation or media reporting.
