What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
holdover
Example
The old manager was a holdover from the previous administration. [holdover: noun]
Example
The company's holdover policies were causing problems for the new employees. [holdover: adjective]
leftover
Example
We had leftover pizza for lunch. [leftover: noun]
Example
There were some leftover materials from the construction project. [leftover: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Leftover is more commonly used than holdover in everyday language. Leftover is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while holdover is less common and typically used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between holdover and leftover?
Both holdover and leftover are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, holdover may be more commonly used in formal or professional contexts, such as politics or business.
