What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
colander
Example
Please use the colander to drain the pasta before serving. [colander: noun]
Example
She placed the colander in the sink and washed the vegetables under running water. [colander: noun]
strainer
Example
He used a strainer to separate the pulp from the freshly squeezed orange juice. [strainer: noun]
Example
The recipe calls for straining the sauce to remove any lumps. [straining: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Colander is more commonly used than strainer in everyday language. Colander is a more general term that covers a wider range of uses, while strainer is more specific and often used in the context of straining tea or coffee.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between colander and strainer?
Both colander and strainer are considered informal and casual terms. They are commonly used in everyday conversations and cooking contexts.
