What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grotto
Example
The grotto was filled with stalactites and stalagmites. [grotto: noun]
Example
The monks used the grotto for meditation and prayer. [grotto: noun]
Example
The garden had a beautiful grotto with a fountain. [grotto: noun]
hollow
Example
The tree trunk was hollow inside. [hollow: adjective]
Example
She heard a hollow sound when she knocked on the door. [hollow: adjective]
Example
The river flowed through a deep hollow in the mountains. [hollow: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hollow is more commonly used than grotto in everyday language. Hollow is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while grotto is less common and often associated with specific ornamental or religious structures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grotto and hollow?
While grotto is typically associated with a formal or ornamental tone, hollow is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
