What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
current
Example
The current in the river was too strong for swimming. [current: noun]
Example
The electrical current was interrupted by a power outage. [current: adjective]
Example
The current of the conversation shifted towards politics. [current: noun]
stream
Example
The stream was crystal clear and full of fish. [stream: noun]
Example
Smoke streamed out of the chimney. [stream: verb]
Example
I watched a stream of the concert on my computer. [stream: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stream is more commonly used than current in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications beyond just water flow. Current is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between current and stream?
Current is generally considered more formal than stream, due to its association with technical or scientific language.
