What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sprinkle
Example
Can you sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the cake? [sprinkle: verb]
Example
The garden was sprinkled with dew in the morning. [sprinkled: past participle]
spray
Example
I need to spray the plants with insecticide to get rid of the pests. [spray: verb]
Example
The waves were crashing against the rocks, sending up sprays of water. [sprays: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spray is more commonly used than sprinkle in everyday language. Spray is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sprinkle is less common and refers to a more specific type of application.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sprinkle and spray?
While sprinkle is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, spray can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
