What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
poles
Example
The tent was held up by several poles. [poles: noun]
Example
She used a pole to push the boat away from the dock. [pole: noun]
Example
The two candidates had opposite poles on the issue. [poles: plural noun]
rod
Example
He used a metal rod to stir the paint. [rod: noun]
Example
She caught a big fish with her fishing rod. [rod: noun]
Example
The land was surveyed in rods and chains. [rods: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rod is more commonly used than pole in everyday language. Rod is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while pole is less common and has more specific uses.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between poles and rod?
Both poles and rods can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on their specific usage and context.
