What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rut
Example
The car got stuck in a rut on the muddy road. [rut: noun]
Example
I'm stuck in a rut with my job and need a change. [rut: idiom]
Example
After losing his job, he fell into a rut and struggled to find motivation. [rut: metaphor]
furrow
Example
The farmer plowed furrows in the field to plant the crops. [furrows: noun]
Example
She had deep furrows on her forehead from years of frowning. [furrows: noun]
Example
The knife left a furrow in the wooden table. [furrow: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Furrow is more commonly used than rut in everyday language. Furrow has a wider range of applications, including farming, gardening, and facial features, while rut is more specific to unintentional tracks made by vehicles or animals and fixed habits.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between rut and furrow?
Both rut and furrow are relatively formal words, but furrow may be slightly more versatile and appropriate for a wider range of contexts due to its various applications.