What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barrage
Example
The soldiers faced a barrage of enemy fire as they advanced towards the enemy lines. [barrage: noun]
Example
The politician was barraged with questions from reporters after the scandal broke out. [barraged: past tense verb]
shelling
Example
The city was under heavy shelling during the war, causing widespread destruction. [shelling: noun]
Example
She spent the afternoon shelling peas for dinner. [shelling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Barrage is more commonly used than shelling in everyday language. Barrage is versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as warfare, criticism, or overwhelming amounts of something. Shelling, on the other hand, is more specific and commonly used in the context of military attacks or the process of removing shells.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between barrage and shelling?
Both barrage and shelling can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, barrage may have a slightly more formal tone due to its association with warfare and criticism, while shelling can be used in a more neutral or descriptive manner.
