What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phantom
Example
The phantom of the opera haunted the theater. [phantom: noun]
Example
She felt a phantom pain in her missing limb. [phantom: adjective]
ghost
Example
The old mansion was said to be haunted by the ghost of its former owner. [ghost: noun]
Example
He saw a ghostly figure in the misty forest. [ghostly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ghost is more commonly used than phantom in everyday language. Ghost is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while phantom is less common and refers to a more specific type of apparition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between phantom and ghost?
Both phantom and ghost are associated with a formal or literary tone, but ghost is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
