What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ballads
Example
He sang a beautiful ballad about lost love. [ballad: noun]
Example
The singer's voice was perfect for performing ballads. [ballads: plural noun]
lyric
Example
She wrote heartfelt lyrics for her new song. [lyrics: plural noun]
Example
The band performed a powerful lyric-driven ballad. [lyric-driven: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lyrics is more commonly used than ballads in everyday language. Lyrics can be found in various musical genres and styles, while ballads are often associated with traditional folk songs or specific genres like country or rock.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ballads and lyric?
While ballads are typically associated with a more informal and traditional tone, lyrics can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Lyrics can be found in popular music as well as poetry and literature.