What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
knife
Example
I need a knife to cut this steak. [knife: noun]
Example
He carefully knifed the wood to create intricate designs. [knifed: verb]
Example
The hunter carried a knife in case of emergency. [knife: noun]
scalpel
Example
The surgeon used a scalpel to make a small incision. [scalpel: noun]
Example
The artist used a scalpel to create intricate paper cutouts. [scalpel: noun]
Example
The chef used a scalpel to prepare the meat for cooking. [scalpel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Knife is more commonly used than scalpel in everyday language. Knife is a versatile tool that can be found in most households and workplaces, while scalpel is mainly used in medical and scientific fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between knife and scalpel?
Scalpel is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while knife can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
