What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
corn
Example
I love eating corn on the cob during summer barbecues. [corn: noun]
Example
She had a painful corn on her toe that made it difficult to walk. [corn: noun]
Example
The farmer planted a small patch of corn in the corner of his field. [corn: noun]
maize
Example
The indigenous people of the Americas have been cultivating maize for thousands of years. [maize: noun]
Example
She painted her bedroom walls a soft shade of maize. [maize: adjective]
Example
The recipe called for maize flour instead of wheat flour. [maize: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Corn is more commonly used than maize in everyday language, especially in American English. Maize is more commonly used in British English and scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between corn and maize?
Both corn and maize are versatile words that can be used in various formality levels, making them suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
