What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
windmill
Example
The old windmill on the hill still grinds wheat into flour. [windmill: noun]
Example
The windmill's blades turned slowly in the breeze. [windmill's: possessive noun]
fan
Example
I turned on the fan to cool down the room. [fan: noun]
Example
She is a big fan of the band and has all their albums. [fan: noun]
Example
He fanned himself with his hat to cool off in the hot sun. [fanned: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fan is more commonly used than windmill in everyday language. Fan is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while windmill is less common and refers to a specific type of machine or structure.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between windmill and fan?
While windmill is typically associated with a formal or historical tone, fan is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various formality levels.