What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bowl
Example
She poured the hot soup into a bowl. [bowl: noun]
Example
In baking, you need to mix the flour and sugar in a large bowl. [bowl: noun]
Example
Let's go bowling this weekend! [bowling: gerund or present participle]
cup
Example
I need a cup of coffee to wake up in the morning. [cup: noun]
Example
The recipe calls for one cup of flour. [cup: noun]
Example
Our team won the World Cup last year! [World Cup: proper noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cup is more commonly used than bowl in everyday language. Cup is a versatile word that is frequently used when referring to drinking beverages or measuring liquids. Bowl, on the other hand, is less common and is mostly used in the context of serving food or mixing ingredients.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bowl and cup?
Both bowl and cup can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cup is more commonly used in formal settings, such as formal dining or professional discussions, while bowl is often used in casual or informal situations, such as family meals or informal gatherings.
