What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
curry
Example
I love eating chicken curry with rice. [curry: noun]
Example
She curried the chicken before adding it to the pot. [curried: verb]
Example
The curry flavor in this dish is really strong. [curry: adjective]
sauce
Example
Can you pass me the tomato sauce for my pasta? [sauce: noun]
Example
She sauced the steak with a red wine reduction. [sauced: verb]
Example
The sauce on this pizza is too spicy for me. [sauce: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sauce is a more commonly used term than curry in everyday language, as it is a more versatile and widely used condiment. Curry is more specific to South Asian cuisine and may not be as familiar to some people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between curry and sauce?
Both curry and sauce can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the dish and the occasion. However, sauce is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels, from casual to formal.
