What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cowrie
Example
She collected cowrie shells from the beach to make a necklace. [cowrie: noun]
Example
In ancient times, cowrie shells were used as currency in some parts of the world. [cowrie shells: plural noun]
shell
Example
The shell of the clam was found on the beach. [shell: noun]
Example
She painted the eggshell with colorful patterns. [eggshell: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shell is more commonly used than cowrie in everyday language. Shell is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cowrie is less common and refers to a specific type of seashell.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cowrie and shell?
While cowrie is typically associated with a cultural or historical context, shell is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
