What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mandolin
Example
He played a beautiful melody on his mandolin. [mandolin: noun]
Example
She has been practicing the mandolin for years and is now quite skilled. [mandolin: noun]
guitar
Example
He strummed his guitar and sang a song for the audience. [guitar: noun]
Example
She has been taking guitar lessons for a few months and is improving quickly. [guitar: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guitar is more commonly used than mandolin in everyday language and is more versatile in terms of the genres it is used in. Mandolin is less common and is often associated with specific genres such as bluegrass and folk music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mandolin and guitar?
Both mandolin and guitar can be used in formal and informal contexts, but guitar is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of settings.
