“Toe” or “Tow”—Which to use?

“Toe” or “Tow”

Overview

toe / tow are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

toe: (noun) one of the digits of the foot. (noun) the part of footwear that provides a covering for the toes. (noun) forepart of a hoof. (noun) (golf) the part of a clubhead farthest from the shaft. (verb) walk so that the toes assume an indicated position or direction. (verb) drive obliquely. (verb) hit (a golf ball) with the toe of the club. (verb) drive (a golf ball) with the toe of the club. (verb) touch with the toe.

tow: (noun) the act of hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope. (verb) drag behind.

Pronunciation

toe: t·OW

tow: t·OW

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Examples in Context

Examples of “toe”

…Winston Churchill proved reluctant to toe the line.
…so than the salchow or toe loop", because of its unstable…
…executed with assistance from the toe of the free foot.
…Salé falling on the triple toe loop in the short program…
…that, although no remains of toe webs have been conserved, it…
Toe pads are pouches that encapsulate…
The toe box allows the dancer to…
…a flip jump as "a toe jump that takes off from…
…snout–vent length and have basal toe webbing.
…be seen from head to toe.

Examples of “tow”

…send their remaining boats to tow Pompée out of danger, the…
…as well as a rope tow and magic carpet for beginners.
…ship's boats to attempt to tow Hannibal off the shoal but…
…on to replace primitive rope tow and other adaptations seen at…
…– Hot Dog Hills' resident tow truck driver and owner of…
1916 Tow truck
…Ward, took the boys in tow.
It can tow ships with displacements of up…
…by the Cursed soldiers from TOW, in the course of an…
A tow truck is a vehicle used…

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

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