What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incise
Example
The artist used a chisel to incise intricate patterns into the stone. [incise: verb]
Example
The surgeon made an incision in the patient's abdomen to perform the operation. [incision: noun]
carve
Example
The woodcarver carved a beautiful statue out of a single block of wood. [carved: past tense]
Example
She carved her initials into the tree trunk with a pocket knife. [carve: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Carve is more commonly used than incise in everyday language, especially in the context of woodworking or sculpting. Incise is less common and is typically used in more specialized fields like surgery or metalworking.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incise and carve?
Incise is more formal than carve, as it is often used in technical or medical contexts. Carve is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
