What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
carcinogen
Example
Exposure to asbestos is known to be a carcinogen and can lead to lung cancer. [carcinogen: noun]
Example
Smoking is a major source of carcinogens, increasing the risk of various types of cancer. [carcinogens: plural noun]
mutagen
Example
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a mutagen that can cause DNA damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. [mutagen: noun]
Example
Certain chemicals used in laboratories are known to be mutagenic and can induce genetic mutations in organisms. [mutagenic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Carcinogen is a more commonly used term than mutagen in everyday language, as it is directly associated with the risk of cancer. Mutagen, on the other hand, is a more specialized term used in scientific and research contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between carcinogen and mutagen?
Both carcinogen and mutagen are formal terms used in scientific and technical contexts. However, mutagen is more specific and may be considered more technical or specialized compared to carcinogen, which has broader awareness and usage.
