What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fertiliser
Example
The farmer applied fertiliser to the field to improve the soil quality. [fertiliser: noun]
Example
I need to fertilise my garden to help my plants grow better. [fertilise: verb]
compost
Example
I added some compost to my garden to improve the soil quality. [compost: noun]
Example
We should compost our food scraps instead of throwing them away. [composting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fertiliser is more commonly used than compost in everyday language, as it is a widely available product used in agriculture and gardening. However, compost is gaining popularity as people become more aware of the environmental benefits of using organic soil amendments.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fertiliser and compost?
Fertiliser is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its use in agriculture and scientific contexts, while compost is more commonly used in informal settings such as home gardening and composting practices.