What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barks
Example
The dog barks loudly whenever someone approaches the house. [barks: verb]
Example
I heard the barks of a distant dog in the night. [barks: noun]
yelp
Example
The puppy let out a yelp when it accidentally stepped on a thorn. [yelp: verb]
Example
She let out a yelp of surprise when she saw the spider crawling on her arm. [yelp: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Barks is more commonly used than yelps in everyday language, especially when referring to dogs. Barks are a common part of dog communication and are often heard in various situations. Yelps, on the other hand, are less common and are usually used in specific contexts where pain or fear is involved.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between barks and yelp?
Both barks and yelps are informal words and are commonly used in casual conversations or when talking about animals. However, barks can also be used in more formal contexts when discussing animal behavior or training.