What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stave
Example
The barrel was made of oak staves. [staves: plural noun]
Example
The sheet music had five staves for different instruments. [staves: plural noun]
Example
He drank water to stave off dehydration. [stave: verb]
beam
Example
The beam supported the weight of the roof. [beam: noun]
Example
The sun's beams shone through the window. [beams: plural noun]
Example
She beamed with pride after receiving the award. [beamed: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Beam is more commonly used than stave in everyday language. Beam has a wider range of applications and is used in various contexts, while stave is more specialized and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stave and beam?
Both stave and beam can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, beam is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts more easily than stave.
