What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
poem
Example
She wrote a beautiful poem about the changing seasons. [poem: noun]
Example
He enjoys reading and writing poetry in his free time. [poetry: noun]
sonnet
Example
She recited a sonnet by Shakespeare during the poetry reading. [sonnet: noun]
Example
He wrote a sonnet for his girlfriend on Valentine's Day. [sonnet: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Poem is a more commonly used term than sonnet in everyday language. Poem is a versatile term that covers a wide range of literary works, while sonnet is a more specific form of poetry that is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between poem and sonnet?
Sonnet is typically associated with a more formal and structured tone, while poem can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing for more flexibility in its usage.