What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mattock
Example
The farmer used a mattock to break up the hard soil before planting. [mattock: noun]
Example
She was mattocking the ground to make a path through the garden. [mattocking: verb]
pickaxe
Example
The construction worker used a pickaxe to break up the concrete slab. [pickaxe: noun]
Example
He was pickaxing the boulder to create a pathway. [pickaxing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pickaxe is more commonly used than mattock in everyday language. Pickaxe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mattock is less common and refers to a specific type of tool used in gardening and farming.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mattock and pickaxe?
Both mattock and pickaxe are typically associated with a casual and informal tone, but pickaxe may be used in more formal contexts due to its wider range of applications in construction and mining industries.
