What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shingle
Example
The old house had a shingle roof that needed to be replaced. [shingle: noun]
Example
We collected some pretty shingles from the beach to use in our craft project. [shingle: noun]
Example
He was diagnosed with shingles and had to take medication to treat it. [shingles: plural noun]
tile
Example
The kitchen floor was tiled with beautiful ceramic tiles. [tiled: past tense verb]
Example
We played a game of Scrabble using letter tiles on the board. [tiles: plural noun]
Example
The bathroom is being renovated and they plan to tile the walls and floors. [tile: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tile is more commonly used than shingle in everyday language. Tile is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shingle is less common and primarily associated with roofing.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shingle and tile?
Both shingle and tile can be used in formal and informal contexts, but tile is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of settings, including art and design, gaming, and home renovation projects.
