What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fog
Example
The fog was so thick that I could barely see the road ahead. [fog: noun]
Example
The cold weather caused the windows to fog up. [fog: verb]
mist
Example
The mist made everything look hazy and mysterious. [mist: noun]
Example
The plants were misted with water to keep them hydrated. [misted: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mist is more commonly used than fog in everyday language. Mist is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fog is less common and typically used to describe more extreme weather conditions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fog and mist?
Both fog and mist are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.