What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cannonball
Example
He did a cannonball into the pool and splashed everyone nearby. [cannonball: noun]
Example
The kids love to cannonball into the lake during the summer. [cannonball: verb]
dive
Example
She executed a perfect dive off the diving board and received high scores from the judges. [dive: noun]
Example
The swimmer dove into the pool and quickly reached the other end. [dove: past tense of dive]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dive is more commonly used than cannonball in everyday language. Dive is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, including swimming, sports, and even metaphorically. Cannonball, on the other hand, is less common and is mainly used to describe a specific type of jump into the water.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cannonball and dive?
While cannonball is associated with a casual and informal tone, dive can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Dive is often used in sports-related discussions, competitions, and professional settings, where a more formal tone may be required.