What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boil
Example
I need to boil some water for my tea. [boil: verb]
Example
She boiled the potatoes until they were soft. [boiled: past tense]
cook
Example
I like to cook dinner for my family. [cook: verb]
Example
He is a great cook and can make delicious meals. [cook: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cook is more commonly used than boil in everyday language. Cook is a versatile term that covers a wide range of cooking methods and techniques, while boil is more specific and often used when referring to the process of cooking food in boiling water.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between boil and cook?
While boil is typically associated with a more casual and informal tone, cook is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Cook is also commonly used in professional settings to refer to the skill or profession of preparing food.