What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patron
Example
The restaurant's patrons were mostly locals who came in for breakfast every morning. [patrons: noun]
Example
She was a patron of the local theater and attended every production. [patron: noun]
Example
The wealthy businessman became a patron of the arts and donated generously to various cultural institutions. [patron: noun]
sponsor
Example
The company was the main sponsor of the charity event and donated a large sum of money. [sponsor: noun]
Example
The athlete was sponsored by a sports brand and wore their gear during competitions. [sponsored: verb]
Example
The family agreed to sponsor the immigrant's visa application and provide financial support. [sponsor: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sponsor is more commonly used than patron in everyday language. Sponsor is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while patron is less common and often associated with the arts or charitable causes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between patron and sponsor?
Both patron and sponsor can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, sponsor is more commonly used in commercial or professional settings, while patron is more commonly used in cultural or artistic contexts.
