What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
holed
Example
The shirt was holed in several places. [holed: adjective]
Example
The mouse was holed up in the corner of the room. [holed up: phrasal verb]
Example
The old building was holed with cracks and gaps. [holed: verb]
perforated
Example
The notebook paper was perforated for easy tearing. [perforated: adjective]
Example
The report was printed on perforated paper for filing. [perforated: verb]
Example
The patient had a perforated eardrum. [perforated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Perforated is more commonly used than holed in everyday language. Perforated is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as describing paper or medical conditions, while holed is less common and typically used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between holed and perforated?
Perforated is generally more formal than holed, as it is often used in technical or professional contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or informal settings depending on the context.