Difference Between Ax and Axe

Difference Between Ax and Axe: The words Ax and Axe sound just the same. Don’t be surprised to know these are just two ways of spelling the same word. Yet, there is something that makes these words different. 

Read on to know how the word Ax is different from the word Axe. 

Ax and Axe

How is the word Ax different from the word Axe?

The words ‘Ax’ and ‘Axe’ both are nouns, and they refer to a tool with a handle and a blade that is used to cut wood mostly. The plural form of both these words is ‘Axes’. 

The only difference is that the word ‘Ax’ is used in American English while the word ‘Axe’ is used in British English. 

Thus, both words are correct, are pronounced the same, and have the same meaning. However, the most commonly used word is ‘Axe’. 

Sentences with the word Ax/Axe

• You will need an ax to chop down that tree. 
• An ax was found at the scene of the crime. 
• That serial killer uses an ax to murder people. 
• Oil the ax properly so that it does not catch rust. 

All these sentences use the word ‘Ax’. This is how this word is written and used if you follow the American format. 

However, if you wish to follow the British format, then you can simply use ‘Axe’ in place of ‘Ax’ in all these sentences. Here is an example-

• You will need an axe to chop down that tree. 

But how do you think this would change if we had to use the plural form of these words? Let us see. 

Sentences with the Plural form Axes

• He crafted a beautiful set of axes. 
• All soldiers were armed with axes. 
• Mountaineers use axes to climb. 

You can see that since the plural form of both ‘Ax’ and ‘Axe’ is the same, there must be no confusion in which one to use. 

Summarizing the Difference Between Ax and Axe

Ax	Axe
Ax is a noun used to refer to tool with blade, used to cut wood.	Ax is also a noun used to refer to tool with blade, used to cut wood.
The plural of Ax is Axes.	The plural of Axe also is Axes.
The word ‘Ax’ is used in American English.	The word ‘Axe’ is used in British English.
This word is used less than the word Axe.	Axe is a more commonly used word.