What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sprain
Example
I sprained my ankle while playing basketball. [sprained: past tense]
Example
The doctor recommended rest and ice for my ankle sprain. [sprain: noun]
strain
Example
I strained my back while lifting a heavy box. [strained: past tense]
Example
The physical therapist recommended stretches to help with my muscle strain. [strain: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strain is more commonly used than sprain in everyday language. Strain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sprain is less common and refers to a specific type of injury.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sprain and strain?
Both sprain and strain are typically associated with a casual and informal tone, although they can be used in medical or technical contexts as well.
