What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trenail
Example
The carpenter used a trenail to secure the planks of the boat. [trenail: noun]
Example
Trenailing is a technique that has been used for centuries in shipbuilding. [trenailing: gerund or present participle]
dowel
Example
The bookshelf was assembled using dowels instead of screws. [dowel: noun]
Example
Doweling is a popular technique used in furniture making. [doweling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dowel is more commonly used than trenail in modern woodworking and construction. Dowel is a versatile and widely used technique that can be employed in various contexts, while trenail is less common and associated with traditional or historical construction.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trenail and dowel?
Both trenail and dowel are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
