What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shade
Example
The tree provided some shade from the hot sun. [shade: noun]
Example
She shaded her eyes with her hand to see better. [shaded: verb]
shadow
Example
The cat's shadow stretched across the wall. [shadow: noun]
Example
He felt like he was living in his father's shadow. [shadow: metaphorical noun]
Example
The news cast a shadow over their happy day. [shadow: metaphorical noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shadow is more commonly used than shade in everyday language. Shadow has a wider range of meanings and can be used in various contexts, while shade is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shade and shadow?
Both shade and shadow are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
