What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
back
Example
My back hurts after sitting for too long. [back: noun]
Example
He turned around and walked back to the car. [back: adverb]
Example
I need your help, can you have my back? [back: verb]
rear
Example
The rear of the house has a beautiful garden. [rear: noun]
Example
Please sit in the rear seats of the bus. [rear: adjective]
Example
She is a single mother, raising her children on her own. [rear: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Back is more commonly used than rear in everyday language. Back is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while rear is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between back and rear?
While back can be used in both formal and informal contexts, rear is generally more formal and less commonly used in casual conversations.