What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elevator
Example
I took the elevator to the 10th floor. [elevator: noun]
Example
The elevator doors opened, and we stepped inside. [elevator: noun]
hoist
Example
We used a hoist to lift the heavy crate onto the truck. [hoist: noun]
Example
The workers hoisted the steel beams into place. [hoisted: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Elevator is more commonly used than hoist in everyday language, especially in urban areas where elevators are ubiquitous in high-rise buildings. Hoist is more commonly used in industrial and construction settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elevator and hoist?
Elevator is generally considered more formal than hoist, which is more technical and specific to certain industries. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
