What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crake
Example
The crake is a difficult bird to spot due to its secretive nature. [crake: noun]
Example
We heard the crake's distinctive call coming from the reeds. [crake: noun]
Example
He's always craking about something or other, never satisfied. [craking: verb]
rail
Example
The rail is a shy bird that is often heard but not seen. [rail: noun]
Example
We could hear the rails calling to each other across the marsh. [rails: verb]
Example
The construction workers put up a safety rail around the edge of the building. [rail: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rail is more commonly used than crake in everyday language. Rail is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while crake is less common and may be considered more specialized or technical.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crake and rail?
Both crake and rail are relatively formal words that may be more appropriate in academic or scientific writing rather than casual conversation.
