What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hay
Example
The farmer stored the hay in the barn for the winter. [hay: noun]
Example
We need to cut and bale the hay before it rains. [hay: verb]
fodder
Example
The cows were fed a mixture of fodder and grain. [fodder: noun]
Example
His argument was nothing but political fodder. [fodder: noun]
Example
The report provided useful fodder for our research. [fodder: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hay is more commonly used than fodder in everyday language, especially in agricultural contexts. Fodder is less common and is often used in more formal or figurative contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hay and fodder?
Hay is typically associated with a more formal tone, while fodder can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on its usage.
