What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
splinter
Example
Be careful not to get a splinter from that old fence. [splinter: noun]
Example
The wood began to splinter as I hammered in the nail. [splinter: verb]
Example
I need to remove this splinter from my finger before it gets infected. [splinter: noun]
flake
Example
The paint on the wall was flaking off in large chunks. [flake: verb]
Example
She brushed the flakes of snow off her coat. [flake: noun]
Example
I can't count on him to show up on time, he's such a flake. [flake: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flake is more commonly used than splinter in everyday language. Flake is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while splinter is less common and refers specifically to small, sharp pieces of wood or other hard materials.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between splinter and flake?
Both splinter and flake are typically associated with an informal tone, although splinter may be used in more technical or specialized contexts.
