What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
guardrail
Example
The car hit the guardrail and spun out of control. [guardrail: noun]
Example
The workers installed a guardrail around the construction site to ensure safety. [guardrail: noun]
barrier
Example
The police set up a barrier to control the crowd. [barrier: noun]
Example
Language can be a barrier to effective communication. [barrier: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guardrail is more commonly used in the context of road safety, while barrier is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between guardrail and barrier?
Barrier is generally considered more formal than guardrail, as it can be used in a wider range of settings and has a broader range of connotations.
