What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chip
Example
I love eating potato chips while watching a movie. [chip: noun]
Example
He chipped a piece off the edge of the glass. [chipped: past tense verb]
crisp
Example
The apple was juicy and crisp. [crisp: adjective]
Example
I bought a bag of crispy potato crisps at the store. [crispy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chip is more commonly used than crisp in everyday language, especially in American English. Chip is widely recognized as a term for thin, fried or baked potato slices. Crisp, on the other hand, is more commonly used in British English and may be less familiar to ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chip and crisp?
Both chip and crisp can be used in informal contexts, such as casual conversations or when talking about snacks. However, crisp can also be associated with a more gourmet or upscale connotation, making it suitable for more formal settings like restaurant menus or food descriptions.
