Pore vs. Pour: Study or Flow?

The Distinction

• Pore = to study or gaze intently; a tiny opening in skin
• Pour = to cause liquid to flow; to rain heavily

Using Pore

As a verb (to study closely):

• “She pored over the documents all night.” ✓
• “He spent hours poring over the map.” ✓
• “They pored through old photographs.” ✓

As a noun (tiny opening):

• “Sweat comes out through your pores.” ✓
• “The facial cleanser unclogs pores.” ✓

Using Pour

“Pour” involves flowing liquid:

• “Pour the coffee carefully.” ✓
• “Rain began to pour down.” ✓
• “Money poured into the project.” ✓
• “She poured her heart out.” ✓
• “Fans poured into the stadium.” ✓ (moving like liquid)

The Common Error

• “She poured over the report.” ✗ → “She pored over the report.” ✓

Unless she spilled coffee on it, use “pored.”

Memory Trick

• Pore = you explore through your pores (eyes studying closely)
• Pour = “our” liquid (pour contains “our”)

Quick Test

Studying or examining? → pore over Flowing liquid or movement? → pour