What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hew
Example
He hewed the log into a rough shape with his axe. [hewed: past tense]
Example
The sculptor hewed the stone into a beautiful statue. [hewed: past participle]
carve
Example
She carved a beautiful wooden bowl from a single piece of wood. [carved: past tense]
Example
The artist carved intricate designs into the marble statue. [carved: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Carve is more commonly used than hew in everyday language. Carve is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hew is less common and refers to a more specific type of cutting or shaping.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hew and carve?
While hew is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, carve is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
