What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
coal
Example
The coal mine produces tons of coal every day. [coal: noun]
Example
They used to burn coal to keep their house warm during the winter. [coal: verb]
fuel
Example
Gasoline is a common fuel used in cars. [fuel: noun]
Example
She fueled the fire with wood to keep it burning. [fueled: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fuel is a more commonly used term than coal in everyday language. While coal is specific to the type of fuel derived from ancient plant remains, fuel is a more general term that covers a wider range of energy sources.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between coal and fuel?
Both coal and fuel can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, fuel is a more versatile and commonly used term, making it suitable for various formality levels.