What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gain
Example
I need to gain some weight to be healthier. [gain: verb]
Example
She gained a lot of knowledge from reading books. [gained: past tense]
Example
He gained a new skill after taking a cooking class. [gained: past participle]
win
Example
Our team won the championship game. [won: past tense]
Example
She won a free trip to Hawaii in a raffle. [won: past participle]
Example
He finally won her heart after months of pursuing her. [win: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gain is more commonly used than win in everyday language. Gain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while win is more limited in its usage and is typically associated with competitive situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gain and win?
Both gain and win can be used in formal and informal contexts, but gain is generally considered more formal due to its versatility and wider range of usage.
