What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cuff
Example
She wore a beautiful gold cuff on her wrist. [cuff: noun]
Example
The police officer cuffed the suspect and led him to the car. [cuffed: past tense verb]
shackle
Example
The prisoner was placed in shackles and escorted to the transport van. [shackles: plural noun]
Example
The company was shackled by debt and unable to expand. [shackled: past participle adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cuff is more commonly used in everyday language, particularly in fashion or law enforcement contexts. Shackle is less common and has a more specific association with criminal justice or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cuff and shackle?
Both cuff and shackle can be used in formal or informal contexts, but shackle may be perceived as more formal due to its association with legal or historical contexts.
