What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spells
Example
I get spells of dizziness when I stand up too quickly. [spells: noun]
Example
The rain stopped for a spell, but then it started again. [spell: noun]
Example
She cast a spell to ward off evil spirits. [spell: verb]
period
Example
The company experienced a period of growth in the early 2000s. [period: noun]
Example
The Renaissance was a period of great artistic and cultural achievement. [period: noun]
Example
She missed her period and thought she might be pregnant. [period: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Period is a more common word than spells and is used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spells and period?
Period is a more formal word than spells, which is more commonly used in informal conversation.
