What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shortening
Example
The recipe calls for shortening instead of butter. [shortening: noun]
Example
She was shortening the dough by cutting it into small pieces. [shortening: verb]
margarine
Example
I prefer margarine over butter on my toast. [margarine: noun]
Example
The recipe calls for margarine instead of butter. [margarine: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Margarine is more commonly used than shortening in everyday language, as it is a popular butter substitute for spreads and cooking. Shortening is less common and is primarily used in baking.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shortening and margarine?
Both shortening and margarine are relatively informal terms and can be used in casual and formal contexts.
