What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tether
Example
The horse was tethered to the post while its owner went inside. [tethered: past tense verb]
Example
The company's growth was tethered by a lack of funding. [tethered: past participle adjective]
Example
The mother held onto her child's hand as a tether to keep them together in the crowded market. [tether: noun]
leash
Example
The dog was on a leash during the walk. [leash: noun]
Example
The manager kept a tight leash on the project to ensure it stayed on track. [leash: noun]
Example
The new regulations put a leash on the company's ability to expand. [leash: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Leash is more commonly used than tether in everyday language, especially in pet-related contexts. Tether is less common and more formal, often used in technical or specialized fields.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between tether and leash?
Tether is more formal and less commonly used in everyday language, making it more appropriate for professional or technical writing. Leash is more casual and commonly used in pet-related contexts, making it more appropriate for informal or personal writing.