What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ember
Example
The campfire was dying down, but a few embers still glowed in the darkness. [ember: noun]
Example
He blew on the ember to reignite the fire. [ember: singular noun]
ash
Example
The fireplace was filled with ash after the logs burned out. [ash: noun]
Example
The wind carried the ash from the volcano for miles. [ash: uncountable noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ash is more commonly used than ember in everyday language. Ash is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ember is less common and refers to a specific stage of a fire.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ember and ash?
Both ember and ash are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.