What's the difference between plant and factory?

[jokaec1]

In AmE, what's the difference between plant and factory? One of definitions of the word "plant" was "a factory or place where power is produced or an industrial process takes place". For example, a candy "plant" or "factory", which one is more common and appropriate in AmE?

 

[Skrej]

There isn't any difference - the two terms are synonymous, and you'll hear both used frequently.

 

[SoothingDave]

Yes, but there are some common uses. A power plant is never a power factory. I would not ask if there were any "plants" in the area. I would ask about factories.

 

[Skrej]

In would depend on the region. People are always asking about plants here, because there are hundreds if not thousands of gas plants, plus a dozen or so packing plants for beef, swine and poultry.

Little factory production however, so you'd rarely hear anybody ask about factories in this region.

Edit: Which is why between gas wells, feedlots, and slaughterhouses it always smells like #$@% around here. Sometimes it's hard to judge the subtle shades of fecal brown which taint the air. Plus the country trash dump is on the edge of town next to the beef plant AND the sewage treatment facility.

 

[Rover_KE]

Where are you, Skrej? It sounds like a locality to avoid on my next visit to the USA.:shock:

 

[Skrej]

Tell me about it :roll:, I've been trying to avoid my little corner of the High Plains in The Great American Desert my entire life. Someday I'll make it out of here to someplace that has trees and water.

I just know I will, I still have time. Unless I don't.