What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
minnow
Example
The children caught some minnows in the pond. [minnow: noun]
Example
He's just a minnow in the world of politics. [minnow: noun]
Example
The new intern is a minnow compared to the experienced staff. [minnow: adjective]
sprat
Example
The restaurant served grilled sprats with lemon. [sprat: noun]
Example
Don't worry about that sprat, he's not important. [sprat: noun]
Example
She's just a sprat in the company, but she's eager to learn. [sprat: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Minnow is more commonly used in North America, while sprat is more commonly used in Europe. Both words are less common in everyday language and are more likely to be used in specific contexts such as fishing or zoology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between minnow and sprat?
Both minnow and sprat are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
