What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sprained
Example
I sprained my ankle while playing basketball. [sprained: past tense]
Example
The doctor said I have a sprained wrist and need to wear a cast. [sprained: adjective]
strained
Example
I strained my back while lifting heavy boxes. [strained: past tense]
Example
The physical therapist recommended exercises to help with my strained hamstring. [strained: adjective]
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 sprained and strained?
Both sprain and strain are typically associated with an informal tone, but they can be employed in various formality levels, allowing them to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
