What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
harbour
Example
The harbour was filled with fishing boats and yachts. [harbour: noun]
Example
The ship sought refuge in the harbour during the storm. [harbour: verb]
dock
Example
The cargo ship pulled into the dock to unload its containers. [dock: noun]
Example
The boat was docked at the marina for repairs. [docked: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dock is more commonly used than harbour in everyday language. Dock is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while harbour is less common and refers to a specific type of location for boats and ships.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between harbour and dock?
While harbour is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, dock is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
