What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clam
Example
I love eating steamed clams with butter. [clam: noun]
Example
Let's go clamming at the beach this weekend. [clamming: gerund or present participle]
shellfish
Example
She ordered a plate of mixed shellfish at the seafood restaurant. [shellfish: noun]
Example
We enjoy going shellfishing during our summer vacations. [shellfishing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clam is more commonly used than shellfish in everyday language, as it is a specific term that people are more familiar with. On the other hand, shellfish is commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as in scientific discussions or culinary terminology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clam and shellfish?
While clam is commonly used in informal conversations and everyday language, shellfish is often used in more formal or technical contexts. It is a broader term that encompasses various types of seafood, making it suitable for use in scientific discussions, culinary contexts, or when referring to a wide range of aquatic animals with shells.
