What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bomb
Example
The bomb exploded, causing extensive damage to the building. [bomb: noun]
Example
The team dropped a bombshell by announcing their resignation. [bombshell: noun]
shell
Example
The turtle retreated into its shell for protection. [shell: noun]
Example
The soldiers fired shells at the enemy's position. [shells: noun]
Example
After the explosion, all that remained were the empty shells of the bombs. [shells: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bomb is more commonly used than shell in everyday language. Bomb is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shell is more specific to military or animal-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bomb and shell?
Both bomb and shell are generally used in informal and formal contexts, depending on the specific context in which they are used.