What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
malt
Example
The brewer used malted barley to make the beer. [malted: past participle]
Example
The malt gave the whiskey a distinct flavor. [malt: noun]
grain
Example
I prefer whole-grain bread over white bread. [grain: adjective]
Example
The recipe calls for two cups of grain. [grain: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grain is a more common word than malt in everyday language, as it has a wider range of uses and applications. Malt is more commonly used in the context of brewing and distilling, and may be less familiar to non-drinkers or those unfamiliar with the process.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between malt and grain?
Both malt and grain can be used in formal and informal contexts, but malt may be more associated with specialized or technical language due to its use in brewing and distilling industries.