What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tied
Example
I tied my shoelaces before going for a run. [tied: past tense]
Example
The hostages were tied up and blindfolded by the kidnappers. [tied: verb]
Example
The two countries are tied by a long history of trade and diplomacy. [tied: adjective]
bound
Example
The package was bound with twine to keep it from opening. [bound: verb]
Example
As a doctor, she felt bound by her oath to help those in need. [bound: adjective]
Example
The river forms the natural boundary that marks the town's northward bound. [bound: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bound is more commonly used than tied in everyday language. Bound is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tied is less common and more specific to physical objects being secured with a knot or fastener.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between tied and bound?
While tied is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, bound is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
