What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
butter
Example
I spread some butter on my toast for breakfast. [butter: noun]
Example
She buttered the pan before adding the cake batter. [buttered: past tense verb]
spread
Example
I like to have strawberry spread on my bagel. [spread: noun]
Example
He spread the mayonnaise evenly on the sandwich. [spread: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Butter is more commonly used and recognized worldwide compared to spread. While butter is a staple ingredient in many cuisines, spread can vary in popularity depending on the specific type and region.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between butter and spread?
In terms of formality, butter is generally considered more formal than spread. Butter is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, while spread is often associated with casual or everyday language.
