What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
girder
Example
The steel girders of the bridge were carefully inspected for any signs of damage. [girders: noun]
Example
The girder was lifted into place using a crane. [girder: noun]
joist
Example
The carpenter installed the joists for the new floor. [joists: noun]
Example
The joist was made of sturdy oak wood. [joist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Joist is more commonly used than girder in everyday language. Joist is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while girder is less common and typically used in the context of large-scale construction projects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between girder and joist?
Both girder and joist are formal terms used in the context of construction and engineering. However, girder may be considered more technical and specialized than joist due to its association with large-scale construction projects.
