What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
metal
Example
The car was made of metal and had a shiny finish. [metal: noun]
Example
The factory produces metal parts for various machines. [metal: adjective]
Example
I love listening to metal music when I need to blow off some steam. [metal: noun]
element
Example
Oxygen is an element that is essential for human life. [element: noun]
Example
The element of surprise made the party even more enjoyable. [element: noun]
Example
The new design element added a modern touch to the building. [element: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Metal is a more common word than element in everyday language, as it has a wider range of uses and applications. Element is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between metal and element?
Both metal and element can be used in formal or informal contexts, but element may be more commonly used in scientific or technical writing, which tends to be more formal.
