What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brittle
Example
The cookie was so brittle that it broke into pieces as soon as I touched it. [brittle: adjective]
Example
The brittle branches of the tree snapped under the weight of the snow. [brittle: adjective]
crumbly
Example
The crumbly soil made it difficult to build a stable foundation. [crumbly: adjective]
Example
The crumbly cheese easily crumbled when I tried to slice it. [crumbly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crumbly is more commonly used than brittle in everyday language. Crumbly is a versatile word that can be used to describe various food textures, while brittle is more specific and often used in specific contexts like describing certain materials or candy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brittle and crumbly?
Both brittle and crumbly can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, brittle may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with specific materials like glass or ceramics.
