What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sty
Example
The farmer built a new sty for his pigs. [sty: noun]
Example
Her room was a sty with clothes and books scattered everywhere. [sty: adjective]
pigpen
Example
The pigs were kept in a large pigpen behind the barn. [pigpen: noun]
Example
His office was a pigpen with papers and files strewn all over the place. [pigpen: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pigpen is more commonly used than sty in everyday language, especially in American English. Sty is less common and may be considered more formal or old-fashioned.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sty and pigpen?
Neither sty nor pigpen are particularly formal words, but sty may be considered more formal due to its historical usage and association with agriculture.
