What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cow
Example
The cow was grazing in the field. [cow: noun]
Example
She milks the cows every morning. [cows: plural noun]
ox
Example
The farmer used an ox to plow the field. [ox: noun]
Example
Oxen were commonly used for transportation in ancient times. [oxen: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cow is more commonly used than ox in everyday language, especially in the context of dairy farming and milk production. Ox is less common and is typically used in the context of agriculture and manual labor.
Whatβs the difference in the tone of formality between cow and ox?
While both cow and ox are generally informal words, ox may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with manual labor and agriculture.