What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
larvae
Example
The larvae of the butterfly feed on leaves before forming a chrysalis. [larvae: noun]
Example
The larvae stage is crucial for the development of the insect. [larvae: adjective]
grub
Example
The grubs of the beetle can cause damage to lawns and gardens. [grubs: noun]
Example
The bird dug up the soil to find some juicy grubs. [grubs: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Larvae is a more common term than grub in scientific and academic contexts. However, grub may be more commonly used in casual or colloquial language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between larvae and grub?
Larvae is a more formal term than grub, which can have a more casual or even negative connotation.
