What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nick
Example
I accidentally put a nick in the table while moving it. [nick: noun]
Example
The police held the suspect in the local nick overnight. [nick: noun]
Example
The officers managed to nick the thief before he could escape. [nick: verb]
prison
Example
He was sentenced to ten years in prison for his crimes. [prison: noun]
Example
The bird was released from its cage after a year of prison. [prison: noun]
Example
She felt trapped in her job, like she was in a prison of her own making. [prison: metaphorical]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prison is a much more common word than nick in everyday language. Nick is a more informal and less common term, often used in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nick and prison?
Prison is a more formal and serious term, typically used in legal or official contexts. Nick is more informal and can be used in casual or humorous situations.
