Capital vs. Capitol: Learn the Difference!

Last updated on September 22, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Capital” and “capitol” are often confused because they sound the same, but they have different meanings and uses. Here’s how to distinguish between them:

Capital vs. Capitol: What Is the Difference?

Key Distinctions:

  • Capital:
    • City: “Paris is the capital of France.”
    • Wealth: “The company needs more capital to expand.”
    • Importance: “That’s a capital idea!”
  • Capitol:
    • Building: Refers to the physical structure where lawmakers meet.
      • Example: “Tourists often visit the Capitol in Washington, D.C.”
CAPITAL vs. CAPITOLPin
Capital vs. Capitol – Created by 7ESL

Capital vs. Capitol: Definition and Usage

Definition and Usage of Capital

  • Meaning: Refers to a city where the government of a country, state, or region is based, or to money and assets. It can also refer to something of significant importance.
  • Use:
    • City: The city that serves as the seat of government.
    • Wealth: Financial assets or resources.
    • Importance: Can also mean something important or excellent (e.g., “a capital idea”).
  • Examples:
    • “Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States.”
    • “She invested a large amount of capital into the business.”
  • Explanation: “Capital” is used when referring to the primary city of a government, wealth or resources, or something important.

Definition and Usage of Capitol

  • Meaning: Refers to a building where a legislative body, like Congress, meets.
  • Use: Specifically used to describe the Capitol building in the U.S. or other similar legislative buildings.
  • Examples:
    • “The U.S. Capitol is located in Washington, D.C.”
    • “The state capitol in Texas is in Austin.”
  • Explanation: “Capitol” refers specifically to a government building where legislative work is done.

Capitol vs. Capital | Common Mistakes

Using “capitol” instead of “capital” for cities or wealth:

  • Incorrect: “New York is the capitol of New York State.”
  • Correct: “Albany is the capital of New York State.”
  • Explanation: “Capital” is used for cities, not “capitol.”

Using “capital” instead of “capitol” for the legislative building:

  • Incorrect: “The U.S. capital is a famous landmark.”
  • Correct: “The U.S. Capitol is a famous landmark.”
  • Explanation: “Capitol” refers to the building where legislative bodies meet.

Quick Tips:

  • Use “capital” for cities, wealth, or importance.
  • Use “capitol” for the building where a legislative body meets (think of the U.S. Capitol building).

Capital vs. Capitol: Examples

Examples of “Capital” in Sentences

  1. London is the capital of the United Kingdom.
  2. The start-up was seeking an initial capital of one million dollars.
  3. Understanding the difference between capital and revenue expenditure is crucial for accounting.
  4. They decided to move the company’s headquarters to the state capital.
  5. The venture capitalists offered to invest capital in the innovative project.

Examples of “Capitol” in Sentences

  1. The tour included a visit to the Capitol where Congress meets.
  2. The protesters gathered outside the Capitol to voice their concerns.
  3. The Capitol building in Washington, D.C., has a distinctive dome.
  4. During the guided tour, we learned about the history of the state capitol.
  5. The governor was scheduled to give a speech on the steps of the capitol next week.

Examples of Sentences that Use Both “Capital” and “Capitol”

  1. The capital required for the new public library was approved by the legislature at the state capitol.
  2. While in the capital, the tourists made sure to visit the historic capitol building.
  3. The capital city’s capitol building is an architectural masterpiece that attracts visitors from around the world.
  4. The debate on the allocation of capital for education took place in the capitol‘s main chamber.
  5. As a sign of respect, the flag at the capitol was lowered to half-mast, affecting the entire capital city’s community.

Capital vs. Capitol Quizzes and Exercises

Quiz 1: Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

1/ The __________ of California is Sacramento.

  • a) capital
  • b) capitol

2/ The __________ city of France is Paris.

  • a) capital
  • b) capitol

3/ The __________ letter of the alphabet is A.

  • a) capital
  • b) capitol

4/ The __________ building in Washington D.C. is where the United States Congress meets.

  • a) capital
  • b) capitol

5/ The company needs to raise more __________ to expand its business.

  • a) capital
  • b) capitol

Answers:

  1. a) capital
  2. a) capital
  3. a) capital
  4. b) capitol
  5. a) capital

Quiz 2: Decide whether each statement is true or false.

1/ Capital refers to a city or town that is the seat of government, while capitol refers to a building where the legislative body meets.

  • a) True
  • b) False

2/ Capitol and capital are spelled differently but have the same meaning.

  • a) True
  • b) False

3/ Capital can also refer to money or other assets used for investment or production, while capitol has only one meaning.

  • a) True
  • b) False

4/ The word capitol is always capitalized, regardless of where it appears in a sentence.

  • a) True
  • b) False

5/ The word capital can also be used as an adjective, as in “capital punishment” or “capital offense.”

  • a) True
  • b) False

Answers:

  1. a) True
  2. b) False
  3. a) True
  4. a) True
  5. a) True

Some exercises to help you differentiate between “capital” and “capitol”:

Fill in the blank:

1/ The _____ of the United States is located in Washington D.C.

Answer: Capitol

The Capitol is a specific building in Washington D.C. where the United States Congress meets.

2/ The _____ city of France is Paris.

Answer: Capital

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