What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sander
Example
He used a hand-held sander to smooth out the rough edges of the wooden table. [sander: noun]
Example
She is sanding the walls before painting them. [sanding: present participle]
grinder
Example
He sharpened his kitchen knives with a handheld grinder. [grinder: noun]
Example
The welder used a grinding machine to smooth out the rough edges of the metal. [grinding: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grinder is more commonly used than sander in everyday language. Grinder has a wider range of applications, including metalworking and sharpening tools, while sander is mainly used for woodworking and preparing surfaces for painting or finishing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sander and grinder?
Both sander and grinder are technical terms and are typically used in formal or technical contexts. However, grinder may be more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts due to its wider range of applications.