What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
woods
Example
We went for a walk in the woods behind our house. [woods: noun]
Example
The children played hide and seek in the woods. [woods: noun]
forest
Example
The forest was so dense that it was hard to see the sky. [forest: noun]
Example
The animals in the forest were active during the night. [forest: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Forest is more commonly used than woods in everyday language. Forest is a more versatile term that covers a wider range of contexts, while woods is less common and refers to a smaller area of trees.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between woods and forest?
Both woods and forest are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
