Electric, Electrical, or Electronic?

This week we answer a question from Angus in China.

Question:

“I’m Angus, a big fan of VOA English from China. Could you please tell me the difference among electric, electrical and electronic?” – Angus, China

Answer:

Dear Angus,

Thanks for writing to us. These days, many people are using electronic ways to communicate with others, so this is a good question. Let us start with the word “electric,” which comes from the noun electricity. “Electric” is an adjective; that is, a word used to describe a noun. Its simple meaning is “operated by electricity.” Here are two examples.

There is an electric fence around the cows in that field.

Electric lights allow us to read at night.

You can also use “electric” to describe something exciting or full of energy, like a feeling or a performance.

The dancers gave an electric performance.

Electrical

Now, let’s turn to the word “electrical.” “Electrical” is also an adjective, but we mostly use it to mean “related to electricity.” For example, you might say:

She studies electrical engineering.

Here, there is no electricity powering the noun “engineering,” but “electrical engineering” is a field related to electricity.

The word “electrical” also can be used in a general sense:

His kitchen is full of electrical appliances.

However, you cannot use the word “electrical” to describe a specific noun, like a car:

That is a new Tesla electrical electric car.

Electronic

Finally, compare what we have just described to the word, “electronic.” “Electronic” is an adjective. It describes something that operates through the use of many small electrical parts, such as microchips. Here is how one might use the word in a sentence:

In China, almost everyone makes electronic payments when they go shopping.

You may have an electric toothbrush now, but when you get an electronic toothbrush, it might tell you exactly when to stop using it.

And that’s Ask a Teacher!

I’m Jill Robbins.

Jill Robbins wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

Editor’s note: This article was revised on March 23, 2020 to clarify the meaning of electronic.

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