What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sow
Example
The farmer sowed the seeds in the field. [sowed: past tense]
Example
She plans to sow wildflowers in her garden this spring. [sow: verb]
plant
Example
He planted a row of tomatoes in his backyard. [planted: past tense]
Example
She likes to plant flowers in pots and keep them on her balcony. [plant: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plant is more commonly used than sow in everyday language. Plant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sow is less common and refers specifically to the act of scattering seeds for agricultural purposes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sow and plant?
While sow is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its agricultural context, plant is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.