What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boulder
Example
We climbed over the boulders to reach the top of the mountain. [boulders: plural noun]
Example
The children enjoyed playing on the big boulder at the beach. [boulder: singular noun]
rock
Example
She skipped a rock across the surface of the lake. [rock: noun]
Example
They used a hammer to break the rock into smaller pieces. [rock: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rock is a more commonly used word than boulder in everyday language. Rock is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts and can be used to describe various types and sizes of stones or minerals. In contrast, boulder is a more specific term that is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boulder and rock?
Both boulder and rock can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, rock is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of formality levels, making it more commonly used in both casual and formal situations.
