What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anchovy
Example
I ordered a pizza with anchovies on top. [anchovies: noun]
Example
The recipe calls for a tablespoon of anchovy paste. [anchovy: noun]
Example
The chef used anchovies to add flavor to the pasta sauce. [anchovies: plural noun]
herring
Example
I love eating herring with crackers and cream cheese. [herring: noun]
Example
The fishermen caught a lot of herring on their trip. [herring: noun]
Example
The restaurant served a delicious herring dish with potatoes and dill. [herring: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anchovies are more commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, while herring is more popular in Northern Europe. Both are less commonly used in everyday language and may be unfamiliar to ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anchovy and herring?
Both anchovy and herring are considered formal words and may not be commonly used in informal conversation. However, anchovy may be more commonly used in the context of pizza toppings or Caesar salad dressing, which are more casual settings.
