Catalog vs Catalogue

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What’s the difference between them?

Catalog

Meaning:

A catalog is a comprehensive list or inventory, usually of items for sale or services offered, such as books, music, clothing, or furniture.

Examples:

1. She spent the weekend browsing through the mail-order catalog.

2. The library has an extensive catalog of books.

3. I found all of the items I needed in the catalog.

Catalogue

Meaning:

Meaning is the same, but such spelling is mostly used in British English.

Examples:

1. She spent all day sorting through the store's catalogue.

2. The library catalogue is a great resource for finding books.

3. I browsed the online catalogue to find the perfect gift.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Catalog

1. Inventory

2. Register

3. Listing

4. Enumeration

5. Compilation

1. Unlisted

2. Omitted

3. Excluded

4. Incomplete

5. Noninclusive

Catalogue

1. Inventory

2. Register

3. Compendium

4. List

5. Archive

1. Unlisted

2. Omitted

3. Excluded

4. Incomplete

5. Noninclusive

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Catalog", "Catalogue".

1. Catalog is the American English spelling.

2. Catalogue the preferred spelling in British English.

3. A helpful tip to remember that is 'American English ends it with an 'g' (catalog).

4. British English ends it with an 'ue' (catalogue).'

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Frequently asked questions

In what situations should the first word 'Catalog' be used?

The word 'Catalog' is typically used in reference to an organized list of items, such as books at a library or products for sale at a store. It is also sometimes used to refer to an organized collection of documents, such as a stamp catalog or a catalog of scientific specimens. Such spelling is mostly used in the American English.

When is the appropriate context for using the second word 'Catalogue'?

The word 'Catalogue' is generally used to refer to a comprehensive, structured list of items, such as books in a library or products in a store. It is also sometimes used to refer to a registry of documents, such as a catalogue of scientific specimens. Such spelling is mostly used in the British English.

Do the two words share the same pronunciation?

Yes, the words 'catalog' and 'catalogue' are generally both pronounced with the same stressed syllable (ka-'tah-lohg'). However, depending on the speaker and regional dialect, the pronunciation may vary slightly.

What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?

One common mistake people make is confusing the words 'catalog' and 'catalogue', as they can both refer to a list or collection of items. Another mistake is overlooking regional differences in spelling, as the words might be written differently depending on the speaker.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. She asked the librarian for the latest ___ of books.

2. I ordered a new computer from the Sears ___.

3. At the British Museum, they have an extensive ___ of ancient artifacts.

4. Can you fetch the companys product ___ from the shelf?

5. In the UK, they often add an extra ue at the end, so it would be ___.

6. The universitys ___ of courses is available online for students to review.

1. catalogue

Explanation: The context doesnt give a clear clue, so both catalog and catalogue can be accepted. However, considering a library, which often has traditional associations, catalogue might be slightly more expected.

2. catalog

Explanation: Sears is an American company, making catalog the American spelling the appropriate choice.

3. catalogue

Explanation: The clue British Museum indicates that British English should be used, making catalogue the correct choice.

4. catalog/catalogue

Explanation: Theres no specific clue provided about American or British preference. Therefore, both spellings are acceptable.

5. catalogue

Explanation: The sentence directly references the UK and the addition of ue, making catalogue the correct British spelling.

6. catalog/catalogue

Explanation: The sentence does not provide a clear indication of American or British English, so both catalog and catalogue are acceptable.

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List of Commonly Confused Words

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