What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stayed
Example
I stayed at the hotel for two nights. [stayed: past tense]
Example
She stayed with her friend for a week. [stayed: past tense]
Example
He stayed in the library until it closed. [stayed: past tense]
remain
Example
The students remained in the classroom after the bell rang. [remained: past tense]
Example
I will remain in the city for a few more weeks. [remain: future tense]
Example
The problem remains unsolved. [remains: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stayed is more commonly used in everyday language than remain. Stayed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while remain is less common and is typically used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stayed and remain?
Remain is more formal than stayed. It is often used in academic or legal contexts, while stayed is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
