What Does Pour Mean?
Pour is a verb meaning to cause a liquid to flow from a container, or to flow continuously. Rain pours, and you pour a drink.
Pour functions as a verb.
What Does Pore Mean?
A pore is a tiny opening in the skin or a surface. As a verb, "pore over" means to study or read something very carefully.
Pore functions as a noun / verb.
Pour vs Pore: Key Differences
| Pour | Pore |
|---|---|
| To cause liquid to flow | A tiny skin opening, or to study closely |
| Always a verb | Noun (opening) or verb (to examine) |
| "Pour water" | "Pore over a document" |
Examples of Pour in a Sentence
- Pour the batter into the baking pan.
- It started to pour rain during the picnic.
- She poured herself a cup of coffee.
- Complaints poured in after the announcement.
Examples of Pore in a Sentence
- Sweat seeped through every pore on his face.
- She pored over the contract for hours before signing.
- Clogged pores can lead to acne breakouts.
- He spent the evening poring over old family photographs.
How to Remember the Difference
You pour from a container (think "our cup runneth over"). You pore over something the way you explore (both end in "-ore").
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| She poured over the textbook all night. | She pored over the textbook all night. | Studying closely uses 'pore over.' |
| He pored a glass of orange juice. | He poured a glass of orange juice. | Making liquid flow requires 'pour.' |
| Use a cleanser to unclog your pours. | Use a cleanser to unclog your pores. | Skin openings are 'pores.' |
If you are unsure which word fits, try Rephrasely's free grammar checker to catch errors instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it 'pour over' or 'pore over'?
When studying something carefully, the correct phrase is 'pore over.' 'Pour over' means to spill liquid onto something. 'Pour-over' (hyphenated) also refers to a coffee brewing method.
Can 'pour' be used figuratively?
Yes. 'She poured her heart out' means she expressed deep emotions. 'Money poured into the project' means a large amount was invested.
What are pores in science?
In biology, pores are tiny openings in skin, leaves, or cell membranes. In geology, porous rock has small holes that can hold water or oil.