What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pipe
Example
The plumber fixed the leaky pipe under the sink. [pipe: noun]
Example
He played a beautiful tune on his wooden pipe. [pipe: noun]
Example
The ants crawled through the tiny pipe in the wall. [pipe: noun]
tube
Example
She squeezed toothpaste from the tube onto her toothbrush. [tube: noun]
Example
The doctor inserted a tube into the patient's nose to help him breathe. [tube: noun]
Example
The subway train rushed through the dark tube underground. [tube: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pipe is more commonly used than tube in everyday language, especially in the context of plumbing or industrial settings. Tube is more commonly used in medical or laboratory settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pipe and tube?
Both pipe and tube can be used in formal or informal contexts, but pipe may be more associated with technical or industrial language, while tube may be more associated with medical or scientific language.
