There is not much difference between a shovel and a spade at all.
Traditionally, it was thought that a spade was used as a digging tool, whereas a shovel was better suited to, well, shovelling!
A shovel is defined as a tool for lifting or moving loose material. It consists of a broad blade attached to a large handle.
A spade is described as a tool for digging, with a flat steel blade and a long wooden handle.
However, today’s shovel comes in many shapes and sizes, and the right model can dig as well as any spade!
It seems that the terms are used interchangeably, but unless there is a real need to call a spade a spade then try not to get too caught up with any differences.
All you need to remember is that hand shovels are designed to either shovel or dig or a combination of both. Some are multi-purpose, others are designed for specific tasks.
If you prefer to use a digging spade then use a digging spade.
Both a spade and a digging shovel have similar designs and achieve the same effect.