What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pigs
Example
The farmer raises pigs on his farm. [pigs: noun]
Example
The piglets were so cute and playful. [piglets: noun]
Example
Don't be such a pig and leave some food for others. [pig: noun]
swine
Example
The swine were grazing in the field. [swine: noun]
Example
A sounder of swine was spotted in the forest. [sounder: collective noun for a group of pigs]
Example
He behaved like a swine, cheating and lying to get what he wanted. [swine: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pigs is more commonly used in everyday language than swine. Pigs is a common word used in various contexts, such as farming, food, and idiomatic expressions. Swine is less common and more formal, often used in scientific or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pigs and swine?
Swine is more formal than pigs. Swine is typically used in scientific or technical contexts, while pigs can be used in both formal and informal contexts.