What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
corral
Example
The cowboys herded the cattle into the corral for the night. [corral: noun]
Example
We need to corral the horses before we can start the trail ride. [corral: verb]
pen
Example
The farmer built a new pen for his chickens to keep them safe from predators. [pen: noun]
Example
I need to buy a new pen for taking notes in class. [pen: noun]
Example
The police officer had to pen the suspect in a holding cell until the trial. [pen: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pen is more commonly used than corral in everyday language. Pen has a wider range of meanings and can be used in various contexts, while corral is more specific to animal containment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between corral and pen?
Both corral and pen can be used in formal and informal contexts, but pen is more versatile and can be used in more formal settings, such as business or academic writing.
