What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sieving
Example
She sieved the flour before adding it to the batter. [sieved: past tense]
Example
The chef recommends sieving the powdered sugar for a smoother texture. [sieving: gerund or present participle]
sifting
Example
She sifted the sand to find the hidden treasure. [sifted: past tense]
Example
The detective is sifting through the evidence to find clues. [sifting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sifting is more commonly used than sieving in everyday language. Sifting has a broader range of meanings and can be used in various contexts, while sieving is more specific to technical or scientific processes.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between sieving and sifting?
Both sieving and sifting are formal words that are typically used in technical or scientific contexts. However, sifting can also be used in informal contexts when referring to examining information or ideas.
