What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
low
Example
The ceiling in the room was low. [low: adjective]
Example
The company's profits were low this quarter. [low: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a low voice so as not to wake the baby. [low: adjective]
short
Example
The dress was too short for her. [short: adjective]
Example
He is quite short for his age. [short: adjective]
Example
Can you give me a short summary of the article? [short: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Short is more commonly used than low in everyday language. Short is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while low is less common and often used in specific contexts such as describing height or quantity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between low and short?
Both low and short can be used in formal and informal contexts, but low may be more commonly used in technical or specialized fields such as engineering or science.