What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
instinct
Example
The bird's instinct to migrate south for the winter is strong. [instinct: noun]
Example
She had an instinct to run when she heard the loud noise. [instinct: noun]
Example
He followed his instincts and turned left instead of right. [instincts: plural noun]
urge
Example
I have an urge to eat something sweet. [urge: noun]
Example
She felt the urge to scream when she saw the spider. [urge: noun]
Example
He urged her to reconsider before making a hasty decision. [urged: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Urge is more commonly used than instinct in everyday language. Urge is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while instinct is less common and refers to a specific type of behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between instinct and urge?
Both instinct and urge can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but instinct may be more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
