What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dressing
Example
I like to use balsamic vinaigrette as my salad dressing. [dressing: noun]
Example
She was dressing up for the party in her new dress. [dressing: verb]
Example
The nurse applied a fresh dressing to the patient's wound. [dressing: noun]
sauce
Example
I love to dip my fries in ketchup, which is a type of sauce. [sauce: noun]
Example
The game had plenty of sauce with all the unexpected twists and turns. [sauce: noun]
Example
He had too much to drink and was completely sauced by the end of the night. [sauced: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sauce is more commonly used than dressing in everyday language. Sauce is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dressing is more specific to salads and vegetables.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dressing and sauce?
Both dressing and sauce can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and the dish being served.
