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 dish drainer to dry my plates after washing them. [drainer: noun]
Example
The plumber was called to fix the clogged drainer in the kitchen sink. [drainer: adjective]
Example
She is the designated drainer in the kitchen, always removing excess water from the dishes. [drainer: noun]
strainer
Example
Can you pass me the spaghetti strainer? I need to drain the water. [strainer: noun]
Example
He strained the pulp from the orange juice to make it smoother. [strained: verb]
Example
The recipe calls for using a fine-mesh strainer to sift the flour. [strainer: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strainer is more commonly used than drainer in everyday language. Strainer is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while drainer is less common and refers to specific tools or devices used in the kitchen or plumbing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drainer and strainer?
Both drainer and strainer are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
