What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mammal
Example
The dolphin is a mammal that lives in the ocean. [mammal: noun]
Example
She studies mammalian behavior in her research. [mammalian: adjective]
creature
Example
The forest was full of creatures like deer, rabbits, and birds. [creatures: plural noun]
Example
The monster was a terrifying creature from another dimension. [creature: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Creature is more commonly used than mammal in everyday language because it is a more general term that can refer to any living being. Mammal is a more specialized term that is primarily used in scientific or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mammal and creature?
Mammal is a more formal term than creature because it is a scientific classification. However, both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.