What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grain
Example
I prefer bread made with whole grain flour. [grain: noun]
Example
The wood has a beautiful grain pattern. [grain: noun]
Example
The necklace is made of 24-carat gold grain. [grain: noun]
seed
Example
I planted some tomato seeds in my garden. [seed: noun]
Example
The apple seed grew into a tree. [seed: noun]
Example
The book planted a seed of curiosity in my mind. [seed: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Seed is more commonly used than grain in everyday language. Seed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while grain is more specific and often used in the context of food and nutrition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grain and seed?
Both grain and seed can be used in formal and informal contexts, but grain may be more commonly used in technical or specialized fields such as agriculture or food science.