What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
travail
Example
He travailed for hours to finish the project on time. [travailed: verb]
Example
The team faced many travails during their journey to the summit. [travails: noun]
toil
Example
She toiled in the fields all day under the hot sun. [toiled: verb]
Example
The workers endured years of toil in the factory before they could retire. [toil: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Toil is more commonly used than travail in everyday language. Toil is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while travail is less common and may have a more formal or literary tone.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between travail and toil?
While travail is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, toil is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
