What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shave
Example
He shaved his beard this morning. [shaved: past tense]
Example
I need to shave my legs before going to the beach. [shave: verb]
trim
Example
I need to trim my bangs, they're getting too long. [trim: verb]
Example
The gardener trimmed the hedges to keep them looking neat. [trimmed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trim is more commonly used than shave in everyday language. Trim is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shave is more specific to hair removal.
Whatβs the difference in the tone of formality between shave and trim?
Both shave and trim can be used in formal and informal contexts, but shave may be considered more formal due to its association with professional grooming and appearance.