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 help my plants grow. [compost: noun]
Example
We composted our food scraps and yard waste to create nutrient-rich soil. [composted: past tense verb]
humus
Example
The humus in the soil helped my plants grow strong and healthy. [humus: noun]
Example
Humus is an important component of soil that helps retain moisture and nutrients. [humus: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compost is more commonly used than humus in everyday language, as it is a term that is more widely known and used in gardening and agriculture. Humus is a more technical term that is primarily used in scientific or academic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between compost and humus?
Both compost and humus are relatively informal terms that are commonly used in gardening and agriculture. However, humus may be considered slightly more formal due to its technical nature and use in scientific contexts.