Albany
Albany — noun
1. the seat of New York State's government, situated on the west bank of the Hudson
the seat of New York State's government, situated on the west bank of the Hudson River; a hub for politics, higher education, and historical tourism
Asher took the train from New York City to Albany for a tour of the State Capitol building.
in Albany after a verb of movement
Trang moved from Buffalo to Albany to study public policy at the state university.
The governor held a press conference in Albany to announce the new education bill.
in Albany as location for events
Niran visited the New York State Museum in Albany to see the exhibits about the Erie Canal.
Albany's economy relies on state government jobs, hospitals, and several large universities.
Albany's + noun — possessive with place names
- the capital of New York State
- the state capital
- Albany (New York)
- in Albany
- Albany government
Grammar Patterns
Albany is … / in Albany / of Albany
Usage Note
In Taiwan English textbooks, 'Albany' most often refers to the capital of New York State. American news reports frequently use 'Albany' as a metonym for the New York state government, similar to how 'Washington' refers to the US federal government.
Common Mistakes
2. a city in southwestern Georgia, United States, known for its agricultural indust
a city in southwestern Georgia, United States, known for its agricultural industry, especially the production of peanuts, pecans, and cotton
Ziad works at a warehouse in Albany, Georgia, where peanuts are shipped across the country.
Albany, Georgia — city + state comma pattern
The athletic teams at Albany State University in Georgia compete in the conference for historically black colleges.
Ilan flew to Albany, Georgia, for a conference on sustainable farming methods.
A tornado warning was issued for Albany, Georgia, and residents moved to the shelters.
Albany, Georgia — used after 'for' with a weather event
Jimmy Carter spent part of his childhood on a farm near Albany, Georgia.
- Albany, Georgia
- in Albany, Georgia
Grammar Patterns
Albany, Georgia / in Albany, Georgia
Usage Note
When speaking or writing, Americans typically add the state name 'Georgia' after 'Albany' to distinguish this city from Albany, New York.
3. a city in northwestern Oregon, United States, located along the Willamette River
a city in northwestern Oregon, United States, located along the Willamette River near the Cascade Mountains; a center for manufacturing and agriculture
Padma took a job at the hospital in Albany, Oregon, and moved there with her family.
in Albany, Oregon — comma pattern for city and state
The farmers' market in downtown Albany, Oregon, attracts visitors from nearby towns every Saturday.
Stefan and his roommates rented a house in Albany, Oregon, close to the bike trail.
A new factory in Albany, Oregon, will employ about two hundred local workers.
The library in Albany, Oregon, offers free classes on how to start a small business.
The library in Albany, Oregon — place + activity pattern
- Albany, Oregon
- in Albany, Oregon
Grammar Patterns
Albany, Oregon / in Albany, Oregon
4. a river in northern Ontario, Canada, about 980 kilometers long, that flows eastw
a river in northern Ontario, Canada, about 980 kilometers long, that flows eastward into James Bay through remote forests and wetlands
Chidi read about the Albany River for his geography project on major Canadian waterways.
the Albany River — definite article with river names
The Albany River winds through forests in northern Ontario where moose and black bears live.
Kayakers travel along the Albany River in summer to experience the rapids and the wildlife.
along the Albany River — preposition with river names
The Cree people have lived along the Albany River for thousands of years.
Scientists tested the water of the Albany River to study the impact of climate change.
- the Albany River
- on the Albany River
- along the Albany River
Grammar Patterns
the Albany River / on the Albany River
Usage Note
River names in English usually take the definite article 'the'. This differs from city names, which do not use 'the'.
Common collocations
Etymology
The name 'Albany' comes from the Scottish title Duke of Albany, which was held by King James II before he became king of England. The city of Albany, New York, was named in his honor. The Scottish title itself comes from 'Alba', the ancient Gaelic name for Scotland.