What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
poltergeist
Example
The family claimed that their house was haunted by a poltergeist that would move objects and slam doors. [poltergeist: noun]
Example
The poltergeist seemed to be targeting the youngest child, who was often the victim of strange occurrences. [poltergeist: noun]
phantom
Example
The old castle was said to be haunted by the phantom of a former queen who had died tragically. [phantom: noun]
Example
The hiker thought he saw a phantom figure in the misty forest, but it turned out to be a trick of the light. [phantom: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Phantom is more commonly used than poltergeist in everyday language, as it has a wider range of meanings and can be used in various contexts. Poltergeist is more specific and is often used in the context of ghost stories or paranormal investigations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between poltergeist and phantom?
Phantom is generally considered more formal and literary than poltergeist, which is more colloquial and informal. However, both words can be used in different formality levels depending on the context.
