What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
horn
Example
The rhinoceros has two large horns on its head. [horn: noun]
Example
He played a beautiful melody on his French horn. [French horn: noun]
Example
The driver honked the horn to alert the pedestrians. [horn: verb]
tusk
Example
The elephant's tusks are valuable and sought after by poachers. [tusk: noun]
Example
The handle of the knife was made of walrus tusk. [tusk: noun]
Example
The hunter used a tusk to skin the animal. [tusk: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Horn is more commonly used than tusk in everyday language, as it refers to a wider variety of animals and objects. Tusk is less common and is more specific to certain animals and contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between horn and tusk?
Both horn and tusk can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and tone of the conversation. However, horn is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of formality levels.