Economic vs Economical at a glance
- economic
/ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ · adjective
Connected with the economy, trade, money and industry of a country or area.
- The government announced new economic policies.
- The country is going through a period of economic growth.
- economical
/ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkl/ · adjective
Using money, fuel or time carefully, without waste.
- This small car is very economical to run.
- Buying in bulk is more economical for big families.
How to remember it
Economic goes with the economy: countries, markets and trade. Economical describes things that save you money, like a car that uses little fuel.
Good to know
Economic is also pronounced /ˌekəˈnɒmɪk/; both are correct. Economic can sometimes mean "making a profit": "The factory is no longer economic." Economical with the truth is a polite way of saying someone is not telling everything.
Common mistakes
Wrong: This washing machine is very economic with water.
Right: This washing machine is very economical with water.
Wrong: The country faces serious economical problems.
Right: The country faces serious economic problems.
Quick quiz
1.Experts expect the situation to improve next year.
2.Cooking at home is more than eating out.
Pick the right word for each gap.
Often confused too
- historicvshistoricalHistoric means important in history (a historic moment); historical means about or from the past (a historical film, historical records).
- sensiblevssensitiveSensible means practical and reasonable; sensitive means easily affected or aware of feelings. They are false friends for many learners.