What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shovel
Example
He used the shovel to dig a hole for the tree. [shovel: noun]
Example
She shoveled the snow off the driveway. [shoveled: past tense verb]
trowel
Example
She used the trowel to plant the flowers in the garden. [trowel: noun]
Example
He is troweling the concrete onto the wall. [troweling: present participle verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shovel is more commonly used than trowel in everyday language due to its versatility and wide range of applications. Trowel is less common and is mostly used in specific contexts such as gardening and masonry work.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shovel and trowel?
Shovel is generally considered more informal than trowel due to its association with manual labor and outdoor activities. Trowel is more formal and is often used in technical or specialized contexts such as construction or archaeology.
