Cool MateDig holes vs Hollow
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Dig holes
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Hollow
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
Most common: Hollow
| Dig holes | Hollow | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪɡ hoʊlz//🇺🇸 //dɪɡ hoʊlz// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈhɒləʊ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhɑːləʊ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Make empty spaces in the ground | Having a space inside; not solid. |
| Example | The workers needed to dig holes for the fence posts. | The tree was hollow, providing a perfect shelter for small animals. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | dig deep holes, dig holes quickly, dig holes for planting | hollow laughter, hollow point, hollow eyes, hollow sound |
| Antonyms | - | solid, full |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'digging holes' - 'dig holes' is the correct phrase., Using the wrong verb tense - ensure to match tense with context. | Confused with 'hallowed' (holy)., Using as a verb instead of an adjective., Mixing up 'hollow' with 'empty' without context. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts, 'dig holes' is often mentioned in gardening, construction, or metaphorically. Avoid using in very formal writing. | Used when describing objects that are empty inside, such as a hollow tree or hollow shell. Avoid using in overly formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Dig holes vs Hollow
What's the difference between Dig holes and Hollow?
Dig holes: Make empty spaces in the ground Hollow: Having a space inside; not solid.
Which is more common: Dig holes and Hollow?
Hollow is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Dig holes: The workers needed to dig holes for the fence posts. Hollow: The tree was hollow, providing a perfect shelter for small animals.
Can I use Dig holes and Hollow interchangeably?
Not always. Dig holes and Hollow are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.