What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scale
Example
The fish had scales covering its body. [scale: noun]
Example
The recipe calls for measuring ingredients using a kitchen scale. [scale: noun]
Example
We had to scale the mountain to reach the summit. [scale: verb]
flake
Example
The paint on the wall was flaking off. [flake: verb]
Example
He's such a flake, he never shows up on time. [flake: noun]
Example
I found a flake of pastry on my shirt. [flake: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scale is more common than flake in technical or scientific contexts, while flake is more commonly used in everyday language to describe small pieces or unreliable people.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between scale and flake?
Scale is generally more formal than flake, which is often used in casual or informal contexts.
