What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pour
Example
She poured the milk into the bowl. [pour: verb]
Example
He poured me a glass of wine. [poured: past tense]
Example
It's pouring outside, we should stay indoors. [pouring: present participle]
stream
Example
The stream flowed gently through the valley. [stream: noun]
Example
Cars streamed down the highway during rush hour. [streamed: past tense]
Example
The sun's rays streamed through the window. [streamed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pour is more commonly used than stream in everyday language, especially when referring to the transfer of liquid. However, stream is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts, such as describing the flow of electrons or particles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pour and stream?
Both pour and stream can be used in formal and informal contexts, but stream may be more commonly used in technical or scientific writing, making it slightly more formal in certain contexts.
