What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flaky
Example
The croissant was flaky and delicious. [flaky: adjective]
Example
I can't count on him to show up on time, he's so flaky. [flaky: adjective]
Example
After spending too much time in the sun, her skin became flaky and dry. [flaky: adjective]
crumbly
Example
The cheese was crumbly and perfect for the salad. [crumbly: adjective]
Example
The soil in this area is crumbly and difficult to work with. [crumbly: adjective]
Example
The old book's pages were yellowed and crumbly. [crumbly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crumbly is more commonly used than flaky in everyday language. Crumbly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while flaky is less common and has more specific uses.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between flaky and crumbly?
Both flaky and crumbly are informal words, but crumbly can be used in more formal contexts, such as in scientific or technical writing, while flaky is more limited in its usage.