What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
helical
Example
The DNA molecule has a helical structure. [helical: adjective]
Example
The helicopter took off in a helical pattern. [helical: adverb]
spiral
Example
The staircase had a spiral design. [spiral: adjective]
Example
The water flowed down the drain in a spiral pattern. [spiral: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spiral is more commonly used than helical in everyday language. Spiral is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while helical is less common and typically used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between helical and spiral?
While helical is typically associated with a technical or scientific tone, spiral is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
