EMIGRATE vs IMMIGRATE: simple spelling tips to remember the difference

The words EMIGRATE and IMMIGRATE are easy to confuse because they sound so similar. They’re often used interchangeably – but their meanings are opposite! Read on to learn how to remember the difference between these commonly confused words.

Here are my top tips to remember the difference between EMIGRATE and IMMIGRATE.

When to use EMIGRATE

EMIGRATE is a verb that means to leave a country to live in another. 

You can use EMIGRATE in a sentence like this:

“Lots of people EMIGRATE to Spain when they retire.”

OR

“My parents want to EMIGRATE to somewhere warmer.”

When to use IMMIGRATE

IMMIGRATE is a verb that means to come to another country to live. It means the opposite of EMIGRATE.

You can use IMMIGRATE in a sentence like this:

“Lots of people IMMIGRATE to Europe for the weather.”

OR

“I’ll need to IMMIGRATE to Canada for the new role.”

This sentence shows the difference between EMIGRATE and IMMIGRATE in use:

“My grandpa EMIGRATED from Ireland in the 1920s and IMMIGRATED to America to find work.”

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