What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
carol
Example
We gathered around the Christmas tree and sang carols all night long. [carol: noun]
Example
The choir caroled beautifully, filling the church with their melodious voices. [caroled: past tense]
chant
Example
The monks chanted their prayers in the ancient monastery. [chanted: past tense]
Example
The crowd began to chant slogans during the protest. [chant: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Carol is more commonly used than chant in everyday language, especially during the Christmas season. Chant is more specific to religious or spiritual contexts and may be less familiar to ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between carol and chant?
While carol is typically associated with a festive and informal tone, chant is often used in formal or religious settings. Chant can also be employed as a form of protest or demonstration, depending on the context.
