What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
carve
Example
He carved a beautiful sculpture out of a block of wood. [carved: past tense]
Example
The chef carved the turkey into thin slices. [carved: verb]
chisel
Example
He chiseled a detailed pattern into the stone. [chiseled: past tense]
Example
The artist used a chisel to create intricate details in the sculpture. [chisel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Carve is more commonly used than chisel in everyday language. Carve is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, such as carving wood or carving a pumpkin. Chisel, on the other hand, is more specific and commonly used in the context of working with harder materials like stone or metal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between carve and chisel?
Both carve and chisel can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, carve is more commonly used in everyday language and is considered less formal, while chisel is more specific and may be used in more technical or specialized contexts, making it slightly more formal.