What is the difference between ladder, stepladder, stairs and steps?
ladder
stepladder
stairs
steps
What is the difference between these words?
In general, a ladder and a stepladder
are pieces of equipment that are used for climbing up or climbing down something
They can be moved from one place to the next.
Stairs and steps are used for going from one level to another level.
They're in a fixed position.
Let's look at each one in a little more detail.
A ladder is a piece of equipment that has a series of steps, also called rungs,
between two upright lengths of wood or metal.
It needs to be leaned against a wall or other flat surface
for support in order to use it.
A ladder is portable
which means it can be moved from one place to another location.
Originally, most ladders were made of wood
though now they're mostly made of aluminium as it is lighter.
stepladder
A stepladder consists of two ladders joined together with a hinge at the top.
It can support itself without needing to be leaned against something.
It looks like an inverted V.
What is the difference between a ladder and a stepladder?
In general, a ladder needs to be supported again something.
A stepladder doesn't need external support.
It stands by itself
stairs
Stairs are a set of steps built between two or more floors in a building.
They are fixed in position and cannot be moved.
The row of posts on the side of stairs,
with a wooden or metal top,
is called a handrail or more specifically banister.
You hold onto the handrail or banister as you go up or down the stairs
so that you don't accidentally fall down them.
steps
Steps are a series of fixed individual steps outside of a building.
There can be a small number of steps or a large number.
Steps can be narrow or very wide
and they are usually made of concrete or stone.
What is the difference between stairs and steps?
The main difference is that stairs are inside
and steps are outside.
Bonus word: What is this?
It is...
an escalator.
An escalator is a mechanical device which has moving stairs that carry people
between different floors in a large building.
Escalators are common in shopping malls or shopping centers and department stores.
Escalators are great and that people don't have to walk up or down stairs.
The escalator slowly takes them from one floor to the next
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