Confusing words in English: Famous vs. Popular

The words 'famous' and 'popular' are very close in meaning, but are not interchangeable because they are used differently. 

In this lesson, we explain the difference between these two adjectives and give you examples to show you how to use them correctly. There is a short exercise at the end of the lesson to practise what you have learned. 

FAMOUS 

When we say that people, places, books, films, etc. are famous, it means they are known about and talked about. 

Examples: 

• The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, is one of the most famous buildings in the world. 
• When we went to Paris, we visited some of the famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and the Louvre. 
• Are there any famous people you would like to meet in person? 
• Many Hollywood celebrities have famous parents. A good example is Angelina Jolie who was born to actors. 
• The Rio de Janeiro Carnival is a famous festival held every year. 
• Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world. 
• Oxford and Cambridge are the UK's oldest and most famous universities. 
• Many people around the world have heard about sushi as it is the most famous Japanese dish. (= a well-known dish) 

PREPOSITIONS 

• Cambridge is famous for its great university. 
• France is famous for its wine and gourmet food. 

POPULAR 

We can use this adjective to describe people, places or things. If someone or something is popular, it means that many people like them. 

Examples: 

• Spain is a popular tourist destination and one of the most visited countries in the world. 
• When you go to the UK, you should definitely download Trainline UK. It's one of the most popular British transport apps, and is extremely useful if you want to find information about upcoming train journeys. You can even buy tickets before departure. 
• What's the most popular sport in your country? 
• Playing games outdoors was one of the most popular leisure activities when I was a kid. 
• Elle is a popular lifestyle magazine that focuses on fashion, beauty, health and entertainment. It has a French origin and the title means 'she' or 'her'. 
• This hotel is very popular with tourists. 
• Why do you think computer games are so popular? 

PREPOSITIONS 

• Beach holidays are extremely popular with the Germans. 
• Cafés are very popular among university students. 
• I think Justin Bieber is most popular among teenagers. 

​
You can say 'popular among' and 'popular with'. Both are correct. 

Note: If someone or something is famous, it doesn't necessarily mean that people like them. 


Exercise 

Complete the sentences with famous or popular. 

1. Sydney Opera House is one of the most ......................... buildings in the world. 
2. The most ......................... tourist destinations in Thailand are beach resorts. 
3. Starbucks coffee has become extremely ......................... around the world. 
4. Venice is, without doubt, considered one of the most ......................... cities in the world. 
5. Knitting is a relaxing hobby that is more ......................... with older people. 
6. Basketball is one of the most ......................... team sports in the United States. 
7. It's hard to say whether ......................... people have a positive or negative influence on young people. 
8. Nowadays, a lot of young people want to be ......................... and that's why they try their luck and audition for TV shows to showcase their talent, for example. 
9. The Harry Potter book series are ......................... with children and adults alike. 
10. Chinese food is one of the most ......................... cuisines in the world. 

Answers: 
​1. famous; 2. popular; 3. popular; 4. famous; 5. popular; 6. popular; 7. famous; 8. famous; 9. popular; 
10. popular; 


Other lessons:
Confusing verbs: Say vs. Tell 
Confusing verbs: Speak vs. Talk 
Confusing words: Know someone vs. Meet someone, Alone vs. Lonely, To feel cold vs. To have a cold, Desert vs. Dessert 
Confusing words: Breath vs. Breathe, Belief vs. Believe 
Confusing words: Practice vs. Practise, Advice vs. Advise 
Confusing words: Begin vs. Start, End vs. Finish 
Confusing words: Come vs. Go 
Confusing words: Bring vs. Take 
Phrases with HAVE and TAKE 
Confusing words in English: Fast, Quick or Quickly 
Confusing words in English: Slow or Slowly 


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