What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
compost
Example
I added some compost to my garden to improve the soil quality. [compost: noun]
Example
We need to compost our food scraps instead of throwing them away. [composting: verb]
fertilizer
Example
I bought some fertilizer to help my plants grow better. [fertilizer: noun]
Example
The farmer applied fertilizer to the field to increase crop yield. [fertilizing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fertilizer is more commonly used than compost in everyday language, especially in commercial agriculture. However, compost is gaining popularity as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between compost and fertilizer?
Fertilizer is typically associated with a more formal tone, especially in commercial or scientific contexts. Compost is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.