What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drainer
Example
I need to buy a new pasta drainer. [drainer: noun]
Example
After washing the dishes, I placed them in the drainer to dry. [drainer: noun]
Example
The swamp acts as a natural drainer for the surrounding area. [drainer: noun]
sieve
Example
Can you pass me the sieve so I can sift the flour? [sieve: noun]
Example
The chemist used a sieve to filter out the impurities from the liquid. [sieve: noun]
Example
We need to sieve through the data to find the relevant information. [sieve: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sieve is more commonly used than drainer in everyday language. Sieve is a versatile tool that can be used in many contexts, while drainer is more specific to removing excess liquid from food items.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drainer and sieve?
Both drainer and sieve are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
