What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
napkin
Example
Can you please pass me a napkin? I spilled some soup on my shirt. [napkin: noun]
Example
The restaurant provided cloth napkins for their guests. [napkins: plural noun]
tissue
Example
I need a tissue to blow my nose. [tissue: noun]
Example
She used a tissue to clean up the spilled juice. [tissue: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tissue is more commonly used than napkin in everyday language. Tissue is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while napkin is less common and refers specifically to a piece of cloth or paper used for wiping the mouth and hands during meals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between napkin and tissue?
While napkin is typically associated with a formal tone, tissue is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
