What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
telephone
Example
I need to make a telephone call to my friend. [telephone: noun]
Example
She telephoned her parents to let them know she arrived safely. [telephoned: past tense verb]
landline
Example
I prefer using a landline for important calls because the connection is more stable. [landline: noun]
Example
The company installed a new landline phone in the conference room. [landline: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Telephone is a more commonly used term than landline in everyday language. Telephone is a versatile term that covers a wide range of devices, including mobile phones, smartphones, and cordless phones. On the other hand, landline is a more specific term that refers to a traditional fixed-line phone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between telephone and landline?
Both telephone and landline are neutral terms that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.