What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
goby
Example
The goby fish is known for its ability to camouflage itself in its surroundings. [goby: noun]
Example
We caught a few gobies to use as bait for our fishing trip. [gobies: plural noun]
fish
Example
I saw a school of fish swimming in the river. [fish: noun]
Example
We had grilled fish for dinner last night. [fish: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fish is a more common word than goby and is used in everyday language to refer to any aquatic animal that lives in water and breathes through gills. Goby is a less common word and is typically used in more specialized contexts, such as fishing or marine biology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between goby and fish?
Both goby and fish are neutral words that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
