What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pan
Example
I need to buy a new frying pan for cooking eggs. [pan: noun]
Example
The farmer filled the feeding pan with grain for the chickens. [pan: noun]
Example
The miner used a pan to sift through the dirt and find gold. [pan: noun]
saucepan
Example
I need to use a saucepan to make the gravy for the mashed potatoes. [saucepan: noun]
Example
Melt the butter in a saucepan before adding it to the batter. [saucepan: noun]
Example
Boil the pasta in a large saucepan until it's al dente. [saucepan: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pan is a more commonly used word than saucepan in everyday language. Pan is a versatile tool that can be used for many different types of cooking, while saucepan is a more specialized tool used for specific dishes.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pan and saucepan?
Saucepan is generally considered more formal than pan. It is often used in recipes or in more formal cooking settings, while pan is used in both formal and informal contexts.