What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bucket
Example
She filled the bucket with water from the well. [bucket: noun]
Example
He bucketed the sand into the wheelbarrow. [bucketed: past tense verb]
pail
Example
The child filled the pail with sand to build a sandcastle. [pail: noun]
Example
She used the pail to fetch water from the river. [pail: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bucket is more commonly used than pail in everyday language. Bucket is a widely recognized term and is used in various contexts, while pail is less common and may be associated with specific activities or older usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between bucket and pail?
While bucket is considered a neutral and informal term, pail may sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned. However, both words can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.