What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shrub
Example
The garden was filled with colorful shrubs and flowers. [shrub: noun]
Example
She planted a shrub in the front yard to add some greenery. [shrub: noun]
scrub
Example
The scrub in the desert was sparse and dry. [scrub: noun]
Example
She used a scrub made from natural ingredients to exfoliate her skin. [scrub: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shrub is more commonly used than scrub in everyday language, especially in the context of gardening and landscaping. Scrub is less common and often used in specific contexts, such as skincare or herbal medicine.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shrub and scrub?
Both shrub and scrub are relatively informal words and can be used in casual or formal contexts depending on the situation and audience.