What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shovel
Example
He used a shovel to dig a hole in the ground. [shovel: noun]
Example
She shoveled the snow off the driveway. [shoveled: past tense verb]
spade
Example
He used a spade to turn over the soil in the garden. [spade: noun]
Example
She was spading the dirt around the plants. [spading: present participle verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shovel is more commonly used than spade in everyday language. Shovel is a versatile tool that can be used for various purposes, while spade is more specific to gardening and landscaping.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shovel and spade?
Both shovel and spade are informal words and are commonly used in casual conversations. However, shovel may be more associated with a blue-collar or working-class context, while spade may be more associated with a hobbyist or gardening context.
