What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bowls
Example
She served the soup in a beautiful porcelain bowl. [bowl: noun]
Example
We enjoy playing bowls in the park on weekends. [bowls: verb]
vessel
Example
The ancient artifact was found in a clay vessel. [vessel: noun]
Example
She is a vessel of wisdom and compassion. [vessel: metaphorical]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bowls is a more common word in everyday language, especially in the context of cooking and dining. Vessel is less commonly used and has broader applications beyond food-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bowls and vessel?
Both bowls and vessels can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, vessel may sound more formal or poetic when used metaphorically, while bowls can be used in casual conversations or specific sports-related contexts.