What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hammer
Example
He hammered the nail into the wall. [hammer: verb]
Example
The carpenter used a hammer to build the house. [hammer: noun]
Example
The boxer has a powerful hammer punch. [hammer: adjective]
mallet
Example
The judge used a mallet to call the court to order. [mallet: noun]
Example
She used a mallet to gently tap the chisel into the stone. [mallet: noun]
Example
The pianist had a delicate touch on the keys, like a mallet. [mallet: simile]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hammer is more commonly used than mallet in everyday language. Hammer is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mallet is less common and refers to more specific contexts such as music or art.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hammer and mallet?
While hammer is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, mallet is more formal and often used in artistic or musical contexts.
