What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tong
Example
The chef used the tongs to flip the steak on the grill. [tongs: noun]
Example
She picked up the ice cubes with the tongs to put them in the pitcher. [tongs: plural noun]
vise
Example
He tightened the vise to hold the wood in place while he sawed it. [vise: noun]
Example
The metalworker used the vise to secure the metal sheet while he drilled holes in it. [vise: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tongs are more commonly used than vises in everyday language, especially in cooking or serving food. Vises are more specialized tools and are less commonly used outside of manual labor or DIY projects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tong and vise?
Vises are typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while tongs are more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
