What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crane
Example
The crane lifted the steel beams onto the top floor of the building. [crane: noun]
Example
I saw a crane standing in the pond while I was walking in the park. [crane: noun]
Example
She had to crane her neck to see the stage over the tall person in front of her. [crane: verb]
derrick
Example
The derrick was used to lift the large pipes onto the oil rig. [derrick: noun]
Example
The oil company built a new derrick to drill for oil in the ocean. [derrick: noun]
Example
The port used a derrick to unload the containers from the cargo ship. [derrick: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crane is more commonly used than derrick in everyday language, especially in construction and industrial settings. Derrick is a more specialized term that is mainly used in the oil and gas industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crane and derrick?
Both crane and derrick are technical terms that are more formal in nature and are commonly used in professional or industrial settings.
