What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insect
Example
The butterfly is a beautiful insect. [insect: noun]
Example
Insects are important pollinators for many plants. [insects: plural noun]
bug
Example
I saw a bug crawling on the wall. [bug: noun]
Example
The mosquito is a common carrier of diseases. [mosquito: type of bug]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bug is a more commonly used term in everyday language, while insect is more commonly used in scientific or educational contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insect and bug?
Insect is a more formal term than bug, which is more colloquial and informal.
