What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
farm
Example
The farmer worked hard on his farm to grow fresh vegetables. [farm: noun]
Example
We need to farm the land before we can start planting. [farm: verb]
ranch
Example
The cowboy rode his horse across the ranch to check on the cattle. [ranch: noun]
Example
They decided to ranch sheep instead of cows because of the climate. [ranch: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Farm is more commonly used than ranch in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of agricultural activities and products. Ranch is more commonly used in regions where animal husbandry is a significant industry, such as the western United States.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between farm and ranch?
Both farm and ranch can be used in various formality levels, depending on the context and audience. However, farm may be more versatile and adaptable to different situations, while ranch may have a more specialized and regional connotation.