What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hands
Example
She washed her hands before dinner. [hands: noun]
Example
He used his hands to build a sandcastle. [hands: noun]
Example
She handed him a book. [handed: verb]
paws
Example
The cat stretched out its paws and yawned. [paws: noun]
Example
The dog dug a hole with its paws. [paws: noun]
Example
The bear used its paws to climb up the tree. [paws: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hands are much more commonly used than paws in everyday language, as they are an essential part of human anatomy and used in a wide variety of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hands and paws?
Hands are more formal than paws, as they are associated with human intelligence and dexterity, which are often valued in formal settings.
