What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crooked
Example
The old tree had a crooked trunk. [crooked: adjective]
Example
He was known for his crooked business dealings. [crooked: adjective]
Example
The crooked road led us through the mountains. [crooked: adjective]
twisted
Example
The twisted metal was all that remained of the car. [twisted: adjective]
Example
She had a twisted sense of humor. [twisted: adjective]
Example
The vines twisted around the trellis. [twisted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crooked is more commonly used than twisted in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and can have positive connotations. Twisted is more specific and often has negative connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crooked and twisted?
Both crooked and twisted can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although crooked may be slightly more formal due to its wider range of applications.