What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
canyon
Example
The Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the most famous canyons in the world. [canyon: noun]
Example
We hiked through the narrow canyon, surrounded by towering rock walls. [canyon: adjective]
crevasse
Example
The mountaineers had to carefully navigate the crevasses on their way to the summit. [crevasses: plural noun]
Example
The climber fell into a deep crevasse but was luckily rescued. [crevasse: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Canyon is a more commonly used word in everyday language, while crevasse is more specific and mainly used in mountaineering or glaciology contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between canyon and crevasse?
While canyon is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, crevasse is more technical and formal, primarily used in specialized fields.