What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fountain
Example
The children played in the fountain on a hot summer day. [fountain: noun]
Example
The old building had a beautiful fountain in the courtyard. [fountain: noun]
Example
The writer found inspiration from the fountain of ideas that flowed through their mind. [fountain: metaphorical]
spring
Example
The hikers found a refreshing spring of water on their journey. [spring: noun]
Example
I love the flowers and warmer weather of spring. [spring: noun]
Example
The cat sprang onto the table to catch the mouse. [sprang: past tense of spring]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spring is more commonly used than fountain in everyday language, especially when referring to the season or a sudden movement. However, fountain is still a common word when talking about decorative structures or sources of water for washing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fountain and spring?
Fountain can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while spring is more commonly used in informal contexts. However, both words can be used in a variety of situations depending on the context.