What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pets
Example
I have a pet dog named Max. [pet: noun]
Example
She loves to pet her cat while watching TV. [pet: verb]
animals
Example
The zoo has a variety of animals from different parts of the world. [animals: noun]
Example
Animals have different ways of communicating with each other. [animals: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Animals is a more common word than pets since it covers a wider range of living organisms and contexts. Pets is a more specific term that refers to domesticated animals kept for companionship or pleasure.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pets and animals?
Both pets and animals can be used in formal and informal contexts, but animals is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, while pets is more commonly used in informal settings.