What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
locks
Example
Make sure you lock the door before leaving the house. [lock: verb]
Example
She had beautiful locks of curly hair. [locks: noun]
Example
The boat passed through the lock to reach the next level of the canal. [lock: noun]
clasp
Example
She struggled with the clasp on her necklace. [clasp: noun]
Example
He clasped her hand tightly as they walked down the aisle. [clasped: verb]
Example
The climber used his strong hands to clasp the rock and pull himself up. [clasp: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clasp is more commonly used than lock in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is often used in fashion and jewelry contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between locks and clasp?
Lock is generally considered more formal than clasp, as it is often associated with security and safety measures, while clasp is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.