What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
winnowing
Example
The farmer used a fan to winnow the wheat and separate the chaff. [winnow: verb]
Example
The teacher is winnowing through the student's essays to find the best ones for publication. [winnowing: present participle]
screening
Example
The hospital is screening patients for COVID-19 symptoms before allowing them inside. [screening: present participle]
Example
We went to a screening of the new Marvel movie last night. [screening: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Screening is more commonly used than winnowing in everyday language. Screening is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while winnowing is less common and refers to a specific process of separating grain or refining a selection.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between winnowing and screening?
Both winnowing and screening can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the situation. However, screening is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as employment or medical evaluations, while winnowing is more commonly used in informal contexts, such as cooking or gardening.
