What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slums
Example
The government is trying to improve the living conditions in the slums. [slums: noun]
Example
Many families in the slums struggle to make ends meet. [slums: plural noun]
ghetto
Example
The Jewish ghetto in Warsaw was established during World War II. [ghetto: noun]
Example
Many African Americans were forced to live in ghettos due to racial segregation. [ghettos: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slums is a more common term than ghetto in everyday language, especially in the context of developing countries. However, ghetto is still widely used in academic and historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between slums and ghetto?
Both slums and ghetto are informal terms and are not typically used in formal or academic writing. However, ghetto may be considered more formal due to its historical and cultural significance.
