What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
toenail
Example
I need to trim my toenails before they get too long. [toenails: noun]
Example
She accidentally stubbed her toe and broke her toenail. [toenail: noun]
nail
Example
I painted my nails with a new color. [nails: noun]
Example
He used a hammer and nails to build the bookshelf. [nails: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nail is more commonly used than toenail in everyday language. Nail is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while toenail is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between toenail and nail?
Both toenail and nail are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
