What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bacterium
Example
The scientist discovered a new species of bacterium in the deep-sea vents. [bacterium: noun]
Example
Bacterium can multiply rapidly under favorable conditions. [bacterium: singular form]
microbe
Example
Microbes play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter. [microbes: plural form]
Example
Some microorganisms, like certain types of bacteria, are considered beneficial microbes. [microbes: general term]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Microbe is more commonly used than bacterium in everyday language. Microbe is a versatile term that covers a wider range of microscopic organisms, making it more accessible and widely understood. On the other hand, bacterium is a more technical term commonly used in scientific and medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bacterium and microbe?
While bacterium is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone, microbe is a more commonly used term that can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
