What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
taffy
Example
I love the taste of saltwater taffy. [taffy: noun]
Example
The candy maker was pulling taffy to make sure it was the right consistency. [pulling: present participle]
sweets
Example
I have a sweet tooth and love all kinds of sweets. [sweets: noun]
Example
The bakery sells a variety of sweets, including cakes, cookies, and pastries. [sweets: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sweets is a more commonly used term than taffy in everyday language, as it is a more general term that encompasses a wider range of confections. Taffy is less common and is often associated with specific regions or events.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between taffy and sweets?
Both taffy and sweets are informal terms that are appropriate for casual conversation or writing. However, sweets may be considered more formal in British English due to its use in more formal contexts, such as menus or advertisements.