What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gnome
Example
The children loved hearing stories about the friendly gnomes who lived in the forest. [gnomes: plural noun]
Example
She had a collection of gnomes in her garden, each with a unique pose and expression. [gnome: singular noun]
Example
He may be small, but he's a real gnome when it comes to his love of gardening. [gnome: adjective]
imp
Example
The imp cackled as he played pranks on the unsuspecting villagers. [imp: noun]
Example
She was quite the little imp, always getting into trouble with her playful antics. [imp: noun]
Example
The missing screw was just a minor imp in the grand scheme of things. [imp: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gnome is more commonly used than imp in everyday language, especially in the context of garden decorations or quirky personalities. Imp is less common and tends to be used in more specific contexts, such as folklore or mischievous behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gnome and imp?
Neither gnome nor imp is particularly formal or informal, and both can be used in a variety of contexts without sounding out of place.
