What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pilchard
Example
I made a delicious pasta dish with pilchard and tomato sauce. [pilchard: noun]
Example
The pilchard population has been declining due to overfishing. [pilchard: noun]
Example
We used pilchard as bait to catch some bigger fish. [pilchard: noun]
sardine
Example
I like to eat sardines on crackers for a quick snack. [sardines: noun]
Example
The sardine industry is an important part of the local economy. [sardine: noun]
Example
The subway was so crowded, we were packed in like sardines. [sardines: simile]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sardine is more commonly used than pilchard in everyday language, likely due to its cultural significance and versatility in describing a crowded space. However, both words are still used in the context of cooking and fishing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pilchard and sardine?
Neither pilchard nor sardine is particularly formal or informal, and both can be used in a variety of contexts without sounding out of place.
