What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spar
Example
The boxers sparred for several rounds before the actual match. [sparred: past tense]
Example
The two friends sparred playfully over which movie to watch. [sparred: verb]
Example
The athlete spent hours sparring with his coach to improve his technique. [sparring: gerund or present participle]
bar
Example
Let's meet at the bar after work for a drink. [bar: noun]
Example
The locked gate was a bar to our progress. [bar: noun]
Example
The carpenter added a metal bar to reinforce the structure. [bar: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bar is more commonly used than spar in everyday language. Bar has a wider range of meanings and is used in various contexts, while spar is less common and is mostly used in the context of sports or training.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spar and bar?
Both spar and bar can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and tone of the conversation. However, bar is more versatile and can be used in more formal settings, such as business meetings or legal documents.
