What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
zap
Example
The bug zapper quickly zapped the mosquitoes. [zap: verb]
Example
I heard a loud zap when I plugged in the toaster. [zap: noun]
Example
The race car zipped and zapped around the track. [zapped: past tense]
speed
Example
The car was traveling at a high speed on the highway. [speed: noun]
Example
He sped away from the scene of the crime. [speed: verb]
Example
The roller coaster reached a top speed of 70 miles per hour. [speed: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Speed is more commonly used than zap in everyday language. Speed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while zap is less common and refers to a specific type of action or sound.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between zap and speed?
Both zap and speed can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but speed is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
