What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bow
Example
He gave a deep bow to show his gratitude. [bow: noun]
Example
She bowed to the audience after her performance. [bowed: past tense verb]
bend
Example
He bent the metal rod into a circle. [bent: past tense verb]
Example
The road bends to the left up ahead. [bends: present tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bend is more commonly used than bow in everyday language. Bend is a versatile word that can be applied to a wide range of situations and objects, while bow is more specific and often used in ceremonial or polite contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bow and bend?
While bow is typically associated with formal and polite situations, bend can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Bend is a more versatile word that can be used in everyday conversations and writing.
