What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
greet
Example
I greeted my friend with a hug when she arrived. [greeted: past tense]
Example
The host greeted us at the door and showed us to our seats. [greeted: past participle]
hail
Example
I hailed my friend from across the street to let her know I was coming. [hailed: past tense]
Example
The crowd hailed the singer with cheers and applause. [hailed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Greet is more commonly used in everyday language than hail. Greet is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while hail is more formal and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between greet and hail?
Hail is more formal than greet and is typically used in more professional or official settings. Greet is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
