What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fouled
Example
The water in the river was fouled by the industrial waste. [fouled: verb]
Example
The game was fouled by the bad weather conditions. [fouled: past tense]
Example
The kitchen sink was fouled with grease and food particles. [fouled: adjective]
dirty
Example
The windows were dirty and needed to be cleaned. [dirty: adjective]
Example
I don't want to touch that, it's too dirty. [dirty: adjective]
Example
You need to wash your hands, they're dirty. [dirty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dirty is more commonly used than fouled in everyday language. Dirty is a more general term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while fouled is more specific and often used in certain industries or situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fouled and dirty?
Both fouled and dirty can be used in informal and formal contexts, but fouled may be more commonly used in technical or specialized settings.
