What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tales
Example
Grandma used to tell us tales of her childhood in the countryside. [tales: noun]
Example
The book is a collection of fairy tales from around the world. [tales: noun]
Example
The documentary tells the tale of the rise and fall of a famous musician. [tale: noun]
fable
Example
The fable of the tortoise and the hare teaches us the value of perseverance. [fable: noun]
Example
The children's book is full of colorful illustrations and fables about talking animals. [fables: noun]
Example
The movie tells the fable of a young prince who must overcome obstacles to save his kingdom. [fable: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tales are more commonly used than fables in everyday language. Tales cover a wide range of genres and can be found in literature, film, and oral storytelling traditions. Fables are less common and are often associated with children's literature or educational materials.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tales and fable?
Both tales and fables can be used in various formality levels, depending on the context. However, fables may be perceived as more formal due to their association with educational materials and moral lessons.
