What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ivy
Example
The ivy on the wall adds a nice touch of greenery to the building. [ivy: noun]
Example
She carefully removed the ivy from the tree to prevent it from damaging the bark. [ivy: noun]
liana
Example
The monkeys swung from lianas in the jungle canopy. [lianas: noun]
Example
The indigenous people used lianas to make rope and baskets. [lianas: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ivy is more commonly used in everyday language than liana. Ivy is often used for decorative purposes and is more commonly found in temperate regions where it can grow on walls or other surfaces. Liana, on the other hand, is less common and is typically found in tropical regions where it can climb high into the canopy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ivy and liana?
Both ivy and liana are versatile and can be used in various formality levels, allowing them to be used in both formal and informal contexts.