What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reef
Example
The divers explored the colorful reef teeming with fish and other sea creatures. [reef: noun]
Example
The shipwreck occurred when it hit the reef in the middle of the night. [reef: noun]
shoal
Example
The fishermen cast their nets in the shoal and caught a large haul of fish. [shoal: noun]
Example
The boat got stuck in the shoal and had to wait for the tide to rise before continuing. [shoal: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reef is more commonly used than shoal in everyday language, especially in the context of scuba diving, snorkeling, and marine biology. Shoal is less common but still used in fishing and boating contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between reef and shoal?
Both reef and shoal are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
