What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hems
Example
She carefully hemmed the dress to make it fit perfectly. [hemmed: past tense]
Example
The tailor suggested adding a hem to the pants to make them the right length. [hem: noun]
edge
Example
Be careful not to touch the edge of the knife, it's very sharp. [edge: noun]
Example
The garden was surrounded by a hedge along the edge of the property. [edge: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Edge is more commonly used than hem in everyday language. Edge is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hem is less common and refers specifically to the finishing of fabric edges.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hems and edge?
Both hem and edge are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
