What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hovel
Example
The farmer lived in a small hovel on the outskirts of town. [hovel: noun]
Example
She huddled in the hovel, trying to stay warm during the winter storm. [hovel: noun]
shack
Example
The fisherman built a shack by the lake to store his equipment. [shack: noun]
Example
They lived in a small shack on the construction site while building the new house. [shack: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shack is more commonly used than hovel in everyday language. Shack is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hovel is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hovel and shack?
Both hovel and shack are informal words that are not commonly used in formal contexts. However, hovel may be considered more informal and less appropriate for formal writing or speech due to its negative connotation.
