What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
centipede
Example
I saw a centipede crawling on the wall. [centipede: noun]
Example
Centipedes are often found in dark and moist environments. [centipedes: plural noun]
bug
Example
There's a bug on the window sill. [bug: noun]
Example
I don't like bugs because they can bite or sting. [bugs: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bug is a more commonly used word than centipede in everyday language. Bug is a versatile term that covers a wide range of small crawling or flying creatures, while centipede is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between centipede and bug?
Both centipede and bug are generally informal words. However, centipede may sound more scientific or technical due to its specific definition, while bug is a more casual and colloquial term.
