What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
carton
Example
I bought a carton of orange juice from the grocery store. [carton: noun]
Example
She carefully packed her belongings in a cardboard carton. [carton: adjective]
crate
Example
The workers loaded the crates of apples onto the truck. [crate: noun]
Example
He built a wooden crate to store his tools in the garage. [crate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Carton is more commonly used than crate in everyday language, especially when referring to packaging items like milk or juice. Crate is more specialized and commonly used in commercial or industrial settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between carton and crate?
Both carton and crate can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, carton is generally associated with a more casual and everyday tone, while crate may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with commercial or industrial use.
