What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shoot
Example
I'm going to shoot some photos of the sunset. [shoot: verb]
Example
The police officer had to shoot his gun to stop the suspect. [shoot: verb]
Example
He can shoot a basketball from half-court with ease. [shoot: verb]
photograph
Example
I love to photograph landscapes and nature. [photograph: verb]
Example
This is a beautiful photograph of the Eiffel Tower. [photograph: noun]
Example
She studied photography in college and became a professional photographer. [photography: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Photograph is more commonly used than shoot in everyday language. Photograph is a more specific and technical term that is widely recognized and used in various contexts, while shoot is more informal and versatile.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shoot and photograph?
Photograph is generally considered more formal and technical than shoot. It is commonly used in professional and academic settings, while shoot is more casual and colloquial, often used in everyday conversation or informal writing.