What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
yam
Example
I love yam fries with my burger. [yam: noun]
Example
She yammed the potatoes for dinner. [yam: verb]
cassava
Example
The cassava bread was delicious with the soup. [cassava: noun]
Example
They cassavaed the roots to make flour. [cassava: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Yam is more commonly used than cassava in everyday language, especially in African, Caribbean, and Asian cuisine. Cassava is less common and is often used in specialized contexts such as food processing and agriculture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between yam and cassava?
Both yam and cassava are informal words that are commonly used in casual conversation and writing. However, cassava may be used in more formal contexts such as scientific research and agricultural reports.