What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heap
Example
The children made a heap of leaves in the yard. [heap: noun]
Example
I have a heap of work to do before the deadline. [heap: noun]
Example
The farmer created a heap of stones to mark the boundary. [heap: noun]
stack
Example
Please stack the books on the shelf in alphabetical order. [stack: verb]
Example
The waiter brought a stack of plates to the table. [stack: noun]
Example
I need to withdraw some cash from the stack of money in my safe. [stack: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stack is more commonly used than heap in everyday language. Stack is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while heap is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heap and stack?
Both heap and stack are relatively informal words, but stack can be used in more formal contexts due to its neutral connotation and versatility.
