What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pickax
Example
He used a pickax to break up the concrete slab. [pickax: noun]
Example
She was pickaxing the rocky terrain to make a path. [pickaxing: gerund or present participle]
mattock
Example
The gardener used a mattock to dig up the stubborn roots. [mattock: noun]
Example
He was mattocking the rocky ground to create a foundation. [mattocking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pickax is more commonly used than mattock in everyday language, especially in the context of mining and construction work. Mattock is less common and is primarily used in gardening and landscaping.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pickax and mattock?
Both pickax and mattock are considered informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
