What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chain
Example
The prisoner was shackled with heavy chains. [chain: noun]
Example
She chained her bicycle to the lamppost to prevent it from being stolen. [chained: past tense verb]
fetter
Example
The prisoner's ankles were bound with iron fetters. [fetter: noun]
Example
Her fear of failure fettered her ambition and prevented her from taking risks. [fettered: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chain is more commonly used than fetter in everyday language. Chain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fetter is less common and often used in more formal or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between chain and fetter?
While chain is typically associated with a neutral or informal tone, fetter is more formal and often used in literary or poetic contexts.
