What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sculpt
Example
The artist used a hammer and chisel to sculpt the statue out of marble. [sculpt: verb]
Example
She spent hours sculpting the clay into a beautiful vase. [sculpting: gerund or present participle]
chisel
Example
He used a chisel to carve intricate designs into the wooden frame. [chisel: noun]
Example
The sculptor chiseled away at the stone to reveal the final form of the statue. [chiseled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chisel is less commonly used than sculpt in everyday language. Sculpt is a more versatile term that can be used in a wider range of contexts, including art, design, and architecture, while chisel is more specific to the process of cutting or carving hard materials.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sculpt and chisel?
Both sculpt and chisel can be used in formal and informal contexts, but sculpt is generally considered more formal due to its association with art and design.