What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trooper
Example
The trooper pulled over the speeding car on the highway. [trooper: noun]
Example
The cavalry troopers rode their horses into battle. [troopers: plural noun]
policeman
Example
The policeman directed traffic at the busy intersection. [policeman: noun]
Example
The new recruit dreamed of becoming a policeman since he was a child. [policeman: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Policeman is more commonly used than trooper in everyday language. Policeman is a more general term that can be used to refer to any male member of a police force, while trooper is a more specific term that is primarily associated with state-level law enforcement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trooper and policeman?
Both trooper and policeman are generally considered neutral in terms of formality. However, trooper may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with state-level law enforcement.
