What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flour
Example
I need to buy some flour to make bread. [flour: noun]
Example
She floured the chicken before frying it. [floured: past tense verb]
powder
Example
I use baby powder to keep my skin dry. [powder: noun]
Example
He powdered his face with makeup before going on stage. [powdered: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flour is more commonly used than powder in everyday language, especially in cooking and baking contexts. Powder is more specific and can refer to a wide range of substances with different functions and sources.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flour and powder?
Flour is typically associated with a neutral or informal tone, while powder can have different levels of formality depending on its context and function. For example, talcum powder may be considered more informal than gunpowder.