pour

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pour" is correct and usable in written English.
It has a few different meanings and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example: "She poured another glass of wine for her guest." "He poured his heart out to his friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stop whisking, then immediately and carefully pour the egg into the centre of the whirlpool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My ex-boyfriend's lovely dad used to pour it on his puddings as a sauce.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Liberal Democrat spokesman enjoyed the best of the early exchanges, at one point using the Conservatives' scorn at Labour's magic "efficiency savings" to pour derision on the Tories' eerily similar strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and creamy, then pour over the hot milk and stir to mix.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stir the chilled custard and purée together, pour it into the bowl of an ice-cream machine and leave to churn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you are not using a machine, then pour the mixture into a chilled freezer box and freeze for a couple of hours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then pour over your oil, which should sizzle dramatically.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

4 Combine the sunflower oil with the honey or agave nectar, then pour into the granola mixture and mix well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Still whisking, slowly pour in the rest of the liquid until combined and smooth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A fortnight later, you pour the beer into the bottles and leave them somewhere dark.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The US joined other UN security council members in lining up to pour scorn on a resolution drafted by Moscow approving the truce.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the act of transferring liquid, specify the type of liquid and the destination to provide clarity (e.g., "Pour the wine into the glass").

Common error

While both involve liquid leaving a container, "pour" suggests a controlled action, whereas "spill" implies an accidental release. Be mindful of this distinction to accurately describe the event.

Linguistic Context

The verb "pour" functions primarily to describe the act of transferring a substance, usually a liquid, from one container to another. Ludwig illustrates this function through examples like "pour the egg into the centre of the whirlpool".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pour" is a versatile verb primarily used to describe the controlled transfer of a substance, typically a liquid, from one container to another. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable in a wide range of contexts. Its usage spans from literal descriptions in cooking and beverage service to figurative expressions of emotions or resource allocation. While generally neutral in register, "pour" is most frequently encountered in news and lifestyle content. Understanding the nuances between "pour" and similar words like "spill" is crucial for precise writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decant

Specifically refers to gently pouring liquid from one container to another, often to separate sediment.

dispense

Implies distributing something in measured amounts.

empty out

Focuses on the action of completely removing contents from a container by pouring.

drizzle

Suggests pouring in a thin stream.

stream

Emphasizes the continuous flow of liquid.

shower

Implies pouring something liberally.

unload

Emphasizes the act of removing a large quantity quickly.

express

Used to convey the idea of intensely revealing one's feelings.

bestow

Suggests conferring something abundantly, like pouring generosity.

shed

Implies releasing something copiously, like "shed tears".

FAQs

How can I use "pour" in a sentence?

You can use "pour" to describe the action of dispensing a liquid, like "She poured the coffee". It can also be used figuratively, such as "They poured their resources into the project".

What's a more formal alternative to "pour"?

Depending on the context, you could use "decant" (especially for wine), or "dispense" for a controlled distribution.

Is it correct to say "pour out my feelings"?

Yes, "pour out my feelings" is a common idiomatic expression meaning to express your emotions freely and openly. Similar phrases include "express emotions" or "reveal feelings".

What's the difference between "pour" and "spill"?

"Pour" implies a deliberate and controlled action of dispensing a liquid, while "spill" suggests an accidental or uncontrolled release. You "pour" intentionally, but you "spill" by accident.