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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Grammar Videos
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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Grammar Videos
(ordered by category) Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
for your browser
Ball or Bawl?
The difference between "Ball" and "Bawl"
"Ball" and "bawl" are easy to confuse.- "Ball" is a noun that describes a spherical object or a social gathering or dance. For example:
- Roll the dough into a ball about the size of a tennis ball.
- Cinderella was late for the ball.
- As a noun, "bawl" describes a loud yelling noise. For example:
- Who was responsible for that bawl?
- As a verb, "to bawl" means to shout or scream loudly. For example:
- Don't bawl at me!

More about "Ball" and "Bawl"
Ball
The word "ball" is a noun with two meanings. It can describe a spherical shape. A ball can either be solid or hollow. It most typically refers to an object that is kicked, thrown, or hit in a game (e.g., football, cricket ball, soccer ball).It also refers to a formal social gathering where guests can dance.
Examples:
- If you think it's hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball.
- My pitching philosophy is simple - keep the ball way from the bat.
- The women are getting dressed up in their best gowns and going to a royal ball.
Bawl
The word "bawl" can be used as a noun or a verb. When used as a noun, "bawl" is a loud, unrestrained shout. As a verb, it means to cry or scream noisily and unrestrainedly.Examples:
- He showed his lung power with a loud bawl.
- I'm going through a stage where the dumbest things make me bawl.
- If you want to cry, bawl. If you need help, raise your hand and jump up and down.
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