Word Usage

Mary W. Ng

June 26, 2009

pore, pour

The verb pore means “to study something carefully”. One meaning of the verb pour is “to flow quickly and in large amounts”.

Incorrect:I poured over the book, looking for relevant examples.
Correct:I pored over the book, looking for relevant examples.
Incorrect:Cold water pored over her head.
Correct:Cold water poured over her head.