What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cleat
Example
He wore cleats for the soccer game to prevent slipping on the grass. [cleats: noun]
Example
The sailor tied the rope to the cleat on the dock. [cleat: noun]
spike
Example
She wore spikes for the track race to improve her speed. [spikes: noun]
Example
He spiked the document to the bulletin board using a nail. [spiked: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cleat is more commonly used than spike in everyday language, especially in the context of sports. Cleats are widely known and used in various sports, while spikes are more specific to track and field events.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cleat and spike?
Both cleat and spike can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cleat is more commonly associated with sports and casual conversations, while spike has additional meanings and can be used in a wider range of formal and informal contexts.
