What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shed
Example
He built a shed in the backyard to store his tools. [shed: noun]
Example
The dog is shedding its winter coat. [shedding: present participle]
Example
She decided to shed her old habits and start fresh. [shed: verb]
slough
Example
The slough was home to many different types of wildlife. [slough: noun]
Example
The snake sloughed off its old skin. [sloughed: past tense]
Example
She needed to slough off the negative energy from her day. [slough: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shed is more commonly used than slough in everyday language, and it has a wider range of meanings and contexts. Slough is less common and may be more formal, and it is more specific in its meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shed and slough?
Shed is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while slough may be more formal and is less commonly used in everyday language.
