What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incubate
Example
The hen incubated her eggs for three weeks until they hatched. [incubated: past tense]
Example
We need to incubate this business idea before we can launch it. [incubate: verb]
Example
The lab technician incubated the petri dish at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours. [incubated: past participle]
nurture
Example
She nurtured her plants with water and sunlight until they bloomed. [nurtured: past tense]
Example
It's important to nurture a positive work environment to increase productivity. [nurture: verb]
Example
The coach nurtured the athlete's talent by providing guidance and training. [nurtured: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nurture is more commonly used than incubate in everyday language. Nurture is a versatile word that can be applied to various contexts, while incubate is less common and more specialized.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between incubate and nurture?
Incubate is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while nurture is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
