What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bluing
Example
I added a few drops of bluing to the wash to make my white shirts look brighter. [bluing: noun]
Example
The bluing agent in the detergent helps prevent white clothes from turning yellow. [bluing: adjective]
whitener
Example
I used a whitener to remove the coffee stain from my white shirt. [whitener: noun]
Example
The whitening toothpaste helps to keep my teeth looking bright and clean. [whitening: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whitener is more commonly used than bluing in everyday language. Whitener is versatile and can be used in different contexts, while bluing is more specific to laundry and may be less familiar to some ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bluing and whitener?
Both bluing and whitener are generally informal terms. However, whitener can be used in a wider range of formal and informal contexts, such as dental care or cleaning products, making it slightly more versatile in terms of formality.
