What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
seashell
Example
The little girl collected seashells on the beach. [seashell: noun]
Example
She decorated her room with seashells she found on vacation. [seashells: plural noun]
shell
Example
He cracked the egg and removed the shell. [shell: noun]
Example
The turtle retreated into its shell for protection. [shell: noun]
Example
The soldiers heard the sound of shells exploding in the distance. [shells: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shell is more commonly used than seashell in everyday language. Shell is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while seashell is less common and refers specifically to a shell found on the beach or in the ocean.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between seashell and shell?
While seashell is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, shell is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
