What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bowl
Example
She poured the soup into a bowl and added some crackers. [bowl: noun]
Example
In baking, you need to mix the flour and sugar in a large bowl. [bowl: noun]
Example
He got a strike in bowling by knocking down all the pins with one ball. [bowling: gerund or present participle]
vessel
Example
The ancient Egyptians used clay vessels to store water. [vessels: plural noun]
Example
The cargo vessel sailed across the ocean to deliver goods to different countries. [vessel: noun]
Example
She is a vessel of knowledge, always eager to learn and share information. [vessel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bowl is more commonly used than vessel in everyday language, particularly when talking about food or cooking. Vessel is less common and tends to be used in more specific or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bowl and vessel?
While bowl is associated with a casual and informal tone, vessel is more formal and often used in technical or specialized contexts.
