"Economic" relates to the economy as a field; "economical" means saving money or resources efficiently.
Adjective. Related to the economy, finances, trade, or the production of wealth. Describes systems, policies, conditions.
The country is facing a serious economic crisis.
El pais enfrenta una grave crisis economica.
The government announced new economic policies.
El gobierno anuncio nuevas politicas economicas.
Economic growth has slowed down in recent years.
El crecimiento economico ha disminuido en los ultimos anos.
Adjective. Using few resources, money, or effort to get good results. Synonym of efficient, cheap to run, or not wasteful.
This car is very economical. It uses almost no gas.
Este carro es muy economico. Casi no usa gasolina.
Buying in bulk is more economical than buying small quantities.
Comprar en cantidad es mas economico que comprar en pequenas cantidades.
She is very economical with her time and never wastes a minute.
Ella es muy cuidadosa con su tiempo y nunca desperdicia un minuto.
Common mistake
Typical error: "This is an economic way to travel" when you mean it is cheap or efficient. Correct: "This is an economical way to travel." "Economic" does not mean "cheap"; it means "relating to the economy". "Economic solution" relates to economic policy; "economical solution" means a low-cost or efficient solution.
Trick to remember it
"Economic" = belongs to the field of economics. "Economical" = behaves as economics would recommend (saves money). The "-al" suffix sometimes shifts meaning toward "having that quality". Compare: "historic" (of historical importance) vs "historical" (relating to history).
Quick rule
Economic = of the economy. Economical = saves money or resources.
Did you know?
This confusion between the plain adjective and the "-al" suffixed form is common: "historic / historical", "classic / classical", "electric / electrical", "magic / magical". The "-al" suffix generally shifts the meaning toward "relating to" or "having that property in practice".
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The president gave a speech about the country's _____ situation after the recession.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
This LED light bulb is very _____. It lasts ten years and uses very little electricity.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Economic = of the economy. Economical = saves money or resources.
Typical error: "This is an economic way to travel" when you mean it is cheap or efficient. Correct: "This is an economical way to travel." "Economic" does not mean "cheap"; it means "relating to the economy". "Economic solution" relates to economic policy; "economical solution" means a low-cost or efficient solution.
"Economic" = belongs to the field of economics. "Economical" = behaves as economics would recommend (saves money). The "-al" suffix sometimes shifts meaning toward "having that quality". Compare: "historic" (of historical importance) vs "historical" (relating to history).
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy