What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vale
Example
The village was nestled in a vale surrounded by rolling hills. [vale: noun]
Example
Shepherd's pie is a traditional dish from the vales of England. [vales: plural noun]
valley
Example
The Grand Canyon is a spectacular example of a valley carved by the Colorado River. [valley: noun]
Example
The valley was covered in mist, making it difficult to see the surrounding mountains. [valley: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Valley is a more common term than vale and is used in a wider range of contexts, including scientific and technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vale and valley?
Valley is a more neutral and scientific term, making it suitable for formal contexts, while vale is more informal and poetic, making it better suited for creative writing or literature.
