What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cannon
Example
The soldiers loaded the cannon with cannonballs before firing it. [cannon: noun]
Example
The sound of the cannon firing echoed across the battlefield. [cannon: present participle]
gun
Example
He aimed his gun at the target and pulled the trigger. [gun: noun]
Example
She enjoys going to the shooting range to practice her gun skills. [gun: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gun is more commonly used than cannon in everyday language. Gun is a versatile term that covers a wide range of firearms, while cannon is more specific and often associated with historical or military contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cannon and gun?
While cannon is typically associated with a formal and historical tone, gun is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
