What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
back
Example
My back hurts from sitting in front of the computer all day. [back: noun]
Example
She turned her back to face the wall. [back: noun]
Example
He wants to go back to his hometown for the holidays. [back: adverb]
spine
Example
The doctor examined her spine to check for any abnormalities. [spine: noun]
Example
The spine of the book was cracked from being read so many times. [spine: noun]
Example
She showed great spine when standing up for what she believed in. [spine: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Back is a more commonly used word in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and can be used in various contexts. On the other hand, spine is less common and is typically used in more specific medical or metaphorical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between back and spine?
Both back and spine can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, spine may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its specific medical and metaphorical associations.
