What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lightning
Example
The storm was so intense that we could see the lightning from inside the house. [lightning: noun]
Example
The news of the accident hit me like a bolt of lightning. [lightning: simile]
Example
Her smile was so bright it was like a lightning bolt. [lightning: simile]
bolt
Example
I need to tighten this bolt on the machine. [bolt: noun]
Example
The rabbit bolted across the field when it saw the fox. [bolted: past tense verb]
Example
He made a bolt for the door when he heard the alarm go off. [bolt: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bolt is more commonly used than lightning in everyday language. Bolt is a common word that can be used in various contexts, while lightning is less common and is typically used in weather-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lightning and bolt?
Both lightning and bolt are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
