What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ocean
Example
The ocean is home to many different species of marine life. [ocean: noun]
Example
We sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on our trip to Europe. [ocean: noun]
sea
Example
The sea was calm and peaceful as we watched the sunset. [sea: noun]
Example
We went swimming in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. [sea: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sea is more commonly used than ocean in everyday language. Sea is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ocean is less common and refers specifically to the vast bodies of saltwater that cover most of the Earth's surface.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ocean and sea?
Both ocean and sea can be used in formal and informal contexts, but ocean may be considered more formal due to its scientific connotation and less frequent use in everyday language.
