What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unscrew
Example
He unscrewed the lid of the jar to get some peanut butter. [unscrewed: past tense]
Example
I need to unscrew this bolt to remove the cover. [unscrew: verb]
loosen
Example
Can you loosen the knot in this rope? [loosen: verb]
Example
The mechanic loosened the bolts to remove the engine. [loosened: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Loosen is more commonly used than unscrew in everyday language. Loosen is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unscrew is less common and refers to a specific action of removing screws or bolts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unscrew and loosen?
Both unscrew and loosen are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
