What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
communal
Example
The apartment building has a communal garden where residents can grow their own vegetables. [communal: adjective]
Example
They organized a communal dinner where everyone brought a dish to share. [communal: adjective]
shared
Example
We have a shared workspace where we can collaborate on projects. [shared: adjective]
Example
They shared a laugh over a funny joke. [shared: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shared is more commonly used than communal in everyday language. Shared is a versatile word that can be applied to various situations, while communal is more specific and commonly used in the context of community living or activities.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between communal and shared?
Both communal and shared can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, communal may be slightly more formal due to its association with community living and cooperation.