What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
remaining
Example
There are only a few pieces of cake remaining. [remaining: adjective]
Example
After the party, there were a lot of snacks remaining. [remaining: present participle]
residual
Example
The residual effects of the medication lasted for several days. [residual: adjective]
Example
The residual waste from the factory was harmful to the environment. [residual: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Remaining is more common than residual in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Residual is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between remaining and residual?
Residual is generally considered more formal than remaining, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
