What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trains
Example
The train arrived at the station on time. [train: noun]
Example
She trained for months to run the marathon. [trained: past tense verb]
railway
Example
The railway company announced a new high-speed line. [railway: noun]
Example
The workers were repairing the damaged railway track. [railway: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Train is a more common term than railway and is used in everyday language to refer to transportation on tracks. Railway is a more formal term and is often used in technical or official contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trains and railway?
Railway is a more formal term than train and is often used in technical or official contexts. Train is a more casual and versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal situations.