What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ibis
Example
The ibis waded through the shallow water, searching for fish. [ibis: noun]
Example
We saw a flock of ibises flying overhead in their distinctive V-formation. [ibises: plural noun]
crane
Example
The crane stood motionless in the water, waiting for its prey. [crane: noun]
Example
We watched the cranes take off into the sky, their wings beating in unison. [cranes: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crane is more commonly used than ibis in everyday language. Crane is a more versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while ibis is less common and is typically used in more specialized contexts such as birdwatching or nature writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ibis and crane?
Both ibis and crane are relatively formal words that are typically used in more specialized contexts such as birdwatching or nature writing.