What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sliver
Example
She found a sliver of glass in her shoe. [sliver: noun]
Example
He slivered the apple into thin slices. [slivered: past tense verb]
shred
Example
I need to shred these old documents. [shred: verb]
Example
She found a shred of evidence that proved her innocence. [shred: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shred is more commonly used than sliver in everyday language. Shred is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sliver is less common and refers to a specific type of small, thin piece.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sliver and shred?
Both sliver and shred are relatively informal words, but sliver may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with delicate materials like glass or metal.
