What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hat
Example
I always wear a hat when it's cold outside. [hat: noun]
Example
She looked stylish in her wide-brimmed hat. [hat: noun]
Example
The construction worker wore a hard hat on the job site. [hard hat: compound noun]
cap
Example
He always wears a baseball cap when he plays golf. [baseball cap: compound noun]
Example
The police officer wore a cap with the department logo. [cap: noun]
Example
The welder wore a welding cap for protection. [welding cap: compound noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cap is more commonly used than hat in everyday language. Cap is often associated with sports and casual wear, while hat is more versatile and can be worn in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hat and cap?
Hats are generally considered more formal than caps. While caps are often associated with casual wear and sports, hats can be worn in both formal and informal contexts, making them more versatile in terms of formality.
