Shop vs Store: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
In British English, "shop" is used to mean a store, while in American English, "store" is used to mean a shop.
Memory Tip: shop = British, store = American
shop /ʃɑp/
verbTo go to a store to buy things.
Example:
I buy milk at the shop near my house.
Common patterns:
shop for food
shop for clothes
store /stɔr/
nounA store is a place where you can buy things.
Example:
We store toys in the box under the bed.
Common patterns:
grocery store
clothing store
store
verbTo store something means to keep it in a place for future use.
Example:
We store toys in the box under the bed.
Common patterns:
store data
store information
store food
Common Mistakes
I'm going to the shop to buy some groceries.
I'm going to the store to buy some groceries.
In American English, 'store' is commonly used to refer to a place where goods are sold.
There's a new store opening on the high street next week.
There's a new shop opening on the high street next week.
In British English, 'shop' is typically used to describe a retail establishment.
Quick Practice
0/3 correct1. I buy milk at the ____ near my house.
2. We ____ toys in the box under the bed.
3. We ____ toys in the box under the bed.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse shop / store again
Practice confusing word pairs with your daily goal in the Vocab5000 app and learn them for good with a scientifically proven repetition system. Start for free now.
