What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
halibut
Example
I ordered the halibut for dinner at the seafood restaurant. [halibut: noun]
Example
The fisherman caught a huge halibut on his last trip. [halibut: noun]
fish
Example
I like to eat fish at least once a week for its health benefits. [fish: noun]
Example
We went fishing at the lake and caught several trout. [fishing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fish is a much more common word than halibut and is used in everyday language to refer to any type of aquatic animal. Halibut is less common and is typically used in more specific contexts, such as when ordering seafood at a restaurant or discussing fishing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between halibut and fish?
Both halibut and fish can be used in formal and informal contexts, but halibut may be considered more formal due to its association with fine dining and expensive seafood dishes.
