"the capital" vs "the capital city"

Question

"the capital" vs "the capital city"

Both 'the capital city' and 'the capital' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The capital city' refers to the main city of a country or region where the government is located, while 'the capital' can be used as a shorthand for 'the capital city' or to refer to the seat of government in a broader sense.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Use 'the capital' when referring to the main city where the government of a country or region is located. It can also be used more broadly to refer to the center of government or political power.

Examples:

Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States.
The capital of France is Paris.
The capital of Japan is Tokyo.

Alternatives:

the seat of government
the political center
the governmental capital
the administrative center
the political capital

Use 'the capital city' when referring to the main city of a country or region where the government is located. It is often used in contexts discussing politics, geography, or travel.

Examples:

London is the capital city of the United Kingdom.
Paris is known as the capital city of France.
Tokyo is the capital city of Japan.

Alternatives:

the national capital
the seat of government
the political capital
the governmental center
the administrative capital

Answer 1

the capital

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, but it can have a broader meaning than 'the capital city.' It can refer to the seat of government in a general sense.

Answer 2

the capital city

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the main city of a country or region where the government is located.

"the capital" vs "the capital city"

the capital

the capital city

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