What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
coned
Example
The workers coned off the area to prevent cars from entering. [coned: past tense]
Example
The chef coned the ice cream into a perfect shape. [coned: verb]
conical
Example
The mountain had a conical shape, with a pointed peak at the top. [conical: adjective]
Example
The students learned about conical frustums in their geometry class. [conical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conical is more commonly used than coned in technical or scientific contexts, especially in mathematics, engineering, and architecture. Coned is less common and is mostly used in practical or everyday contexts related to traffic safety or food preparation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between coned and conical?
Conical is more formal than coned, as it is often used in technical or scientific contexts. However, both words can be used in a range of formality levels depending on the context and audience.
