What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bacterial
Example
The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. [bacterial: adjective]
Example
She is studying the effects of bacterial growth in the lab. [bacterial: noun]
microbial
Example
The microbial community in the soil plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling. [microbial: adjective]
Example
He is conducting research on microbial genetics. [microbial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bacterial is more commonly used than microbial in everyday language, especially in medical and scientific contexts. Microbial is a less common term but is still widely used in various scientific fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bacterial and microbial?
While bacterial is generally more formal and technical, microbial can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile in its usage.
