What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pests
Example
The farmer had to deal with pests that were destroying his crops. [pests: noun]
Example
The house was infested with pests, including mice and cockroaches. [pests: plural noun]
insects
Example
The butterfly is a beautiful insect with colorful wings. [insect: noun]
Example
The garden was full of insects, including ladybugs and grasshoppers. [insects: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Insects is more commonly used than pests in everyday language. Insects are a familiar and diverse group of animals that are often encountered in daily life, while pests are less common and may require specific knowledge or context to identify.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pests and insects?
Both pests and insects can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, pests may be more associated with technical or scientific language, while insects are more versatile and can be used in various contexts.
