What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
eat
Example
I like to eat breakfast before starting my day. [eat: verb]
Example
Eating healthy foods is important for maintaining a balanced diet. [eating: gerund or present participle]
devour
Example
The children devoured the pizza as soon as it arrived. [devoured: past tense]
Example
She devours books on a regular basis, reading several each week. [devours: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Eat is much more commonly used than devour in everyday language. Eat is a basic and essential verb that covers a wide range of contexts, while devour is less common and more specific in its meaning.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between eat and devour?
Eat is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more appropriate choice in many situations. Devour, on the other hand, is more informal and may not be suitable for formal settings.
