What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
larva
Example
The larva of the mosquito lives in water before becoming an adult. [larva: noun]
Example
The frog larva has gills and lives in water before transforming into a frog. [larva: adjective]
grub
Example
The beetle grub feeds on roots underground before becoming an adult. [grub: noun]
Example
The compost pile was full of grubs and other decomposers. [grub: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grub is more commonly used than larva in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Larva is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between larva and grub?
Larva is more formal in tone than grub, which is often used in casual or slang contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
