What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ladle
Example
She used a ladle to serve the soup into bowls. [ladle: noun]
Example
He ladled the sauce onto the pasta. [ladled: past tense verb]
spoon
Example
She stirred the batter with a spoon. [spoon: noun]
Example
He spooned some sugar into his coffee. [spooned: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spoon is more commonly used than ladle in everyday language. Spoon is a versatile utensil that can be used for various purposes, while ladle is less common and is typically used in a formal setting.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ladle and spoon?
While ladle is typically associated with a formal tone, spoon is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.