What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lorry
Example
The lorry was carrying a load of construction materials. [lorry: noun]
Example
He drove the lorry across the country to deliver the goods. [lorry: noun]
van
Example
We rented a van to move our furniture to the new house. [van: noun]
Example
The delivery company uses a fleet of vans to transport packages. [vans: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Van is more commonly used than lorry in everyday language. Van is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lorry is less common and refers to a specific type of commercial vehicle.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lorry and van?
While lorry is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, van is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.