What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boats
Example
We went fishing on a boat in the lake. [boat: noun]
Example
They love sailing on their boat during the summer. [boat: verb]
canoe
Example
Let's go canoeing on the river this weekend. [canoeing: gerund or present participle]
Example
They paddled their canoe across the lake. [canoe: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boats is a more common term that encompasses a wide range of water vessels used for various purposes. Canoes are less common and are specifically associated with a smaller and more traditional type of watercraft used for paddling.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boats and canoe?
Both boats and canoes can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, boats may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its broader usage and association with larger vessels used for transportation or commercial purposes.
