What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sharpen
Example
I need to sharpen my pencil before I can start writing. [sharpen: verb]
Example
He sharpened his cooking skills by taking a class. [sharpened: past tense]
Example
The debate helped to sharpen our understanding of the issue. [sharpen: verb]
whet
Example
He used a whetstone to whet the blade of his knife. [whet: verb]
Example
The smell of fresh bread whetted her appetite. [whetted: past tense]
Example
He needed to whet his skills before applying for the job. [whet: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sharpen is more common than whet in everyday language. Sharpen is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while whet is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sharpen and whet?
Both sharpen and whet are considered formal words and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
