What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subway
Example
I take the subway to work every day. [subway: noun]
Example
We walked through the subway to get to the other side of the street. [subway: noun]
Example
I ordered a turkey and cheese subway for lunch. [subway: sandwich]
underground
Example
The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world. [underground: noun]
Example
The underground bunker was built to withstand a nuclear attack. [underground: adjective]
Example
The resistance movement operated underground to avoid detection by the authorities. [underground: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Subway is more common in North America, while underground is more common in the UK. However, both words are widely understood and used in English-speaking countries around the world.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between subway and underground?
Both subway and underground are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
