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"Policeman" vs. "constable": spotting the badge differences

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 30/09/2024, 16:11
English.me team member
Policeman and constable. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both words refer to law enforcement officers who are responsible for maintaining public order and safety.

What is different?

Policeman refers to a male officer and is more commonly used in general English, whereas constable is a rank in certain police forces and may be used in specific jurisdictions like the UK or some parts of the US.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for policeman) and constable

Examples of usage

Policeman
  • The policeman directed traffic at the busy intersection.
  • She thanked the policeman for his assistance.
Constable
  • The constable patrolled the village on foot.
  • A constable is the first rank in the UK police force.

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