What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bough
Example
The children climbed onto the bough of the oak tree. [bough: noun]
Example
The squirrel leaped from bough to bough, moving swiftly through the forest. [bough: noun]
branch
Example
The bird perched on a branch, singing its melodious song. [branch: noun]
Example
She carefully pruned the branches of the apple tree to encourage better fruit growth. [branches: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Branch is more commonly used than bough in everyday language. Branch is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while bough is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bough and branch?
While bough is associated with a more formal and poetic tone, branch is used in both formal and informal contexts.
