What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boy
Example
The boy played with his toy cars in the living room. [boy: noun]
Example
He is a mischievous boy who loves to explore and have fun. [boy: adjective]
youth
Example
During his youth, he traveled the world and experienced different cultures. [youth: noun]
Example
She is a talented youth who excels in both academics and sports. [youth: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boy is more commonly used than youth in everyday language. Boy is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as referring to a male child or young person, or in a family setting. On the other hand, youth is less common and tends to be used in more formal or artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boy and youth?
While boy is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, youth is more formal and often used in more literary or poetic settings.