What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ballad
Example
She sang a beautiful ballad about lost love. [ballad: noun]
Example
The troubadour strummed his guitar and sang a ballad for the crowd. [ballad: noun]
poem
Example
He wrote a heartfelt poem about his mother. [poem: noun]
Example
She recited a beautiful poem at the poetry reading. [poem: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Poem is more commonly used than ballad in everyday language. Poem is a versatile term that encompasses a wide range of poetic expressions, while ballad is less common and often associated with traditional or folk storytelling.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ballad and poem?
While ballad is typically associated with a more informal and traditional tone, poem can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing for a broader range of expression.
