What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
combat
Example
The soldiers were trained in hand-to-hand combat. [combat: noun]
Example
He combated his opponent with skill and determination. [combated: past tense verb]
fight
Example
They got into a fight at the bar last night. [fight: noun]
Example
She fought against injustice and inequality. [fought: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fight is more commonly used than combat in everyday language. Fight is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while combat is more specific and often used in military or combat sports contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between combat and fight?
While combat is typically associated with a more formal tone, fight can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more flexible word for ESL learners to use.
