What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
remainder
Example
After dividing the pizza, there was a remainder of two slices. [remainder: noun]
Example
She ate half of the sandwich and gave me the remainder. [remainder: noun]
Example
We have a remainder of 10 minutes before the meeting starts. [remainder: noun]
leftover
Example
I put the leftover pizza in the fridge for later. [leftover: noun]
Example
We had some leftover paint from the project. [leftover: adjective]
Example
She used the leftover fabric to make a small bag. [leftover: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Leftover is more commonly used than remainder in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used to describe food or non-food items, and it can be used as both a noun and an adjective. Remainder, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in technical or mathematical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between remainder and leftover?
Both remainder and leftover can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, remainder may be perceived as more formal due to its association with technical or mathematical language.
