What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crab
Example
I love eating crab legs with butter. [crab: noun]
Example
She's been crabby all day, I wonder what's wrong. [crabby: adjective]
Example
The car was moving like a crab, swerving from side to side. [crab: verb]
prawn
Example
I ordered the prawn curry for dinner. [prawn: noun]
Example
He's always acting like a prawn, thinking he's better than everyone else. [prawn: adjective]
Example
The ball bounced away like a prawn, out of reach. [prawn: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crab is more commonly used than prawn in everyday language, especially in coastal regions where seafood is popular. However, prawn is still a common ingredient in many different cuisines around the world.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crab and prawn?
Both crab and prawn can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. However, prawn may be seen as more formal due to its use in fancy restaurants and high-end cuisine.