What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hedge
Example
The house was surrounded by a tall hedge for privacy. [hedge: noun]
Example
I decided to hedge my bets and invest in multiple stocks. [hedge: verb]
Example
The politician hedged their answer to avoid taking a clear stance on the issue. [hedged: past tense]
fence
Example
The farmer built a fence around the pasture to keep the animals in. [fence: noun]
Example
The construction site was surrounded by a high fence for safety. [fence: noun]
Example
He trained in fencing for years and became a skilled swordsman. [fencing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fence is more commonly used than hedge in everyday language. Fence is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while hedge is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hedge and fence?
Both hedge and fence can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, hedge may be more associated with a formal or literary tone due to its less common usage.