What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
blanch
Example
Blanch the broccoli by boiling it for two minutes and then plunging it into ice water. [blanch: verb]
Example
Her face blanched when she heard the unexpected news. [blanched: past tense]
drain
Example
Please drain the pasta before adding the sauce. [drain: verb]
Example
After a heavy rain, it took hours for the water to drain from the flooded street. [drain: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drain is more commonly used than blanch in everyday language. Drain is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as cooking, plumbing, or even describing the depletion of resources. Blanch, on the other hand, is more specific to cooking and may not be as commonly used in everyday conversations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between blanch and drain?
Both blanch and drain can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, blanch is more commonly associated with the culinary field and may be used more frequently in formal cooking discussions or recipes.