What's the Difference Between 'Canvas' and 'Canvass'?

In this blog post we look at when to use canvas and when to use canvass.

'Canvas' or 'Canvass'?

Canvas and canvass are two words that are often confused because they are similar in spelling and pronunciation. However, they have different meanings.

Canvas is a strong, durable fabric that is typically made from cotton or linen and is used for a variety of purposes, such as making tents, sails, and artist's canvases.

Canvass, on the other hand, refers to the act of seeking or soliciting something, such as votes or opinions. It can also refer to the act of examining or assessing something in detail.

So, while both words relate to seeking or examining something, canvas refers to a strong, durable fabric, while canvass refers to the act of seeking or soliciting something or examining something in detail.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between canvas and canvass:

  • "I need to buy some new canvases for my art class." (In this sentence, canvas refers to the fabric used for artist's canvases.)

  • "The candidate is going to canvass the neighborhood to get support for his campaign." (In this sentence, canvass refers to the act of seeking or soliciting votes or opinions.)

  • "The expert is going to canvass the evidence to determine the cause of the accident." (In this sentence, canvass refers to the act of examining or assessing something in detail.)

  • "The tent was made of canvas, so it was able to withstand the rough weather." (In this sentence, canvas refers to the strong, durable fabric used to make the tent.)

Examples of Canvas in a Sentence

Here are ten sentences using the word canvas:

  1. The artist stretched the canvas over the wooden frame and began to paint.

  2. The tent was made of sturdy canvas and was able to withstand the harsh winds.

  3. The canvas shoes were comfortable and perfect for the summer weather.

  4. The canvas backpack was the perfect size for a day trip.

  5. The canvas tote bag was stylish and functional.

  6. The artist carefully selected the canvas for her next painting.

  7. The canvas was so thin that the paint soaked through to the other side.

  8. The canvas awning provided shade and protection from the sun.

  9. The canvas hammock was a comfortable place to relax in the backyard.

  10. The canvas tarp was used to cover the woodpile to protect it from the rain.

Examples of Canvass in a Sentence

Here are ten sentences using the word canvass:

  1. The candidate went door to door to canvass for votes in the upcoming election.

  2. The company hired canvassers to gather market research in the neighborhood.

  3. The expert canvassed the evidence to determine the cause of the accident.

  4. The organization canvassed the community to get input on the proposed development.

  5. The politician canvassed the town to gauge support for his policies.

  6. The canvassers went from house to house to gather signatures for the petition.

  7. The team of researchers canvassed the city to gather data for their study.

  8. The canvassers were trained to approach potential donors and solicit donations for the charity.

  9. The artist canvassed the galleries to find a suitable venue for her exhibit.

  10. The political campaign conducted a canvass to identify key issues and concerns among voters.


Canvas or Canvass
Canvas or Canvass