What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chlorine
Example
Chlorine is commonly used in the treatment of drinking water to kill harmful bacteria. [chlorine: noun]
Example
The strong smell of chlorine in the pool indicated that it had been recently treated. [chlorine: noun]
bleach
Example
I need to buy some bleach to clean the bathroom tiles. [bleach: noun]
Example
She bleached her jeans to give them a distressed look. [bleached: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bleach is more commonly used than chlorine in everyday language, as it is a specific product that people are more familiar with. Chlorine is often mentioned in the context of water treatment or swimming pools.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chlorine and bleach?
Both chlorine and bleach can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific usage. However, chlorine may be more commonly used in technical or scientific discussions, while bleach is more versatile and can be used in various situations.