What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emission
Example
The factory's emissions were causing harm to the environment. [emissions: noun]
Example
The car's exhaust emitted a cloud of smoke. [emitted: past tense verb]
radiation
Example
The sun emits radiation that can be harmful to our skin. [emits: present tense verb]
Example
The patient received radiation therapy to treat their cancer. [radiation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Emission is more commonly used than radiation in everyday language, especially in environmental and industrial contexts. Radiation is more technical and specific, and is used more in scientific and medical fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emission and radiation?
Both emission and radiation are technical terms and are more formal than everyday language. However, emission is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while radiation is more specific and is used mainly in technical or scientific contexts.
