What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fingernail
Example
She painted her fingernails with a bright red color. [fingernails: noun]
Example
He nervously bit his fingernails during the exam. [fingernails: noun]
nail
Example
I accidentally hit my thumb with the hammer while trying to nail the board. [nail: verb]
Example
She lost one of her toenails after stubbing it against the wall. [toenail: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nail is more commonly used than fingernail in everyday language due to its versatility and wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fingernail and nail?
Both fingernail and nail are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
