What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
beam
Example
The construction workers installed the steel beams to support the new building. [beam: noun]
Example
The sun's rays beamed through the window, filling the room with warmth. [beamed: past tense verb]
rafter
Example
The carpenter installed the rafters to create a sturdy roof structure. [rafter: noun]
Example
We could hear the sound of the rain on the metal roof rafters. [rafters: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Beam is more commonly used than rafter in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications in construction. Rafter is a more specialized term specific to roof structures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between beam and rafter?
Both beam and rafter can be used in formal and informal contexts, as they are technical terms related to construction. However, beam may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its broader usage.
