What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dregs
Example
The tea had been sitting for too long, and the dregs were thick and bitter. [dregs: noun]
Example
He drank the dregs of his coffee before leaving the cafe. [dregs: plural noun]
grounds
Example
After brewing the coffee, the grounds can be used as compost for plants. [grounds: plural noun]
Example
The children played on the school grounds during recess. [grounds: plural noun]
Example
The grounds for her argument were based on scientific research. [grounds: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grounds is more commonly used than dregs in everyday language. Grounds is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dregs is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dregs and grounds?
Neither dregs nor grounds are particularly formal or informal. Both words can be used in various formality levels, depending on the context.
