What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
periwinkle
Example
The periwinkle is a common sight on rocky shores. [periwinkle: noun]
Example
She wore a dress in a lovely shade of periwinkle. [periwinkle: adjective]
Example
The periwinkle plant is often used for ground cover in gardens. [periwinkle: noun]
snail
Example
The garden was full of snails after the rain. [snails: noun]
Example
He made a snail's pace progress on his project. [snail's pace: idiom]
Example
I like to use snail-shaped pasta in my soup. [snail-shaped: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Snail is a more commonly used word than periwinkle in everyday language, as it refers to a broader range of creatures and has more cultural significance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between periwinkle and snail?
Neither periwinkle nor snail is particularly formal or informal, and both can be used in a variety of contexts without sounding out of place.