What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pickaxe
Example
The miner used a pickaxe to break up the rock and extract the ore. [pickaxe: noun]
Example
I need to buy a pickaxe for my landscaping project. [pickaxe: noun]
pick
Example
She used a pick to break up the hard soil in her garden. [pick: noun]
Example
He picked the strings of his guitar to create a beautiful melody. [picked: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pick is more commonly used than pickaxe in everyday language. Pick is a versatile tool that can be used in various contexts, while pickaxe is less common and is primarily associated with heavy-duty work.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pickaxe and pick?
Pickaxe is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its association with heavy labor and industrial work, while pick can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
