What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
roadside
Example
The roadside was littered with trash from passing cars. [roadside: noun]
Example
We parked our car on the roadside to take a break. [roadside: adjective]
shoulder
Example
I hurt my shoulder while playing basketball. [shoulder: noun]
Example
The driver pulled over to the shoulder to check the engine. [shoulder: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Roadside is more commonly used than shoulder in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications. Shoulder is more technical and specific to driving contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between roadside and shoulder?
Both roadside and shoulder are relatively informal words, but shoulder may be more formal due to its technical nature and association with driving contexts.
