What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lumber
Example
The carpenter used lumber to build the frame of the house. [lumber: noun]
Example
The elephant lumbered through the forest, breaking branches as it went. [lumbered: past tense verb]
wood
Example
The table was made of solid wood. [wood: noun]
Example
She carved a beautiful sculpture out of a block of wood. [wood: noun]
Example
The cabin was located in the middle of the woods. [woods: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wood is more commonly used than lumber in everyday language. Wood is a versatile material that can be used for many purposes, while lumber is more specific and primarily used in construction contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lumber and wood?
Lumber is typically associated with a more formal tone, while wood is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
