What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pans
Example
I need to buy a new frying pan for making eggs. [pan: noun]
Example
She placed the chicken in the roasting pan and put it in the oven. [pan: noun]
saucepan
Example
I need a saucepan to make the gravy for the mashed potatoes. [saucepan: noun]
Example
She heated up the soup in a small saucepan on the stove. [saucepan: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pan is more commonly used than saucepan in everyday language. Pan is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while saucepan is less common and refers to a specific type of cooking pot used for making sauces or boiling liquids.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pans and saucepan?
While saucepan is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, pan is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
