What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ballet
Example
She has been practicing ballet since she was a child. [ballet: noun]
Example
The ballet company will be performing Swan Lake next week. [ballet: noun]
show
Example
Let's go see a show at the theater tonight. [show: noun]
Example
He showed off his amazing magic tricks during the talent show. [showed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Show is more commonly used than ballet in everyday language. Show is a versatile term that can refer to a wide range of performances and productions, while ballet is more specific to the art of dance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ballet and show?
While ballet is associated with a more formal and specialized tone, show can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile in terms of formality.