What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nigh
Example
The end of the semester is nigh. [nigh: adjective]
Example
The storm is nigh, we should take shelter. [nigh: adverb]
near
Example
The store is near our house. [near: preposition]
Example
The deadline for the project is near. [near: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Near is more commonly used than nigh in everyday language, and it is considered more formal. Nigh is less common and may have a poetic or archaic connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nigh and near?
Near is considered more formal than nigh, making it suitable for use in both formal and informal contexts. Nigh is less versatile and typically used in more formal or literary contexts.
