What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fouled
Example
The basketball player fouled his opponent by pushing him. [fouled: verb]
Example
The river was fouled by the factory's toxic waste. [fouled: adjective]
Example
The traffic was fouled due to the accident on the highway. [fouled: verb]
taint
Example
The food had a strange taste that suggested it was tainted. [tainted: adjective]
Example
The politician's scandalous behavior tainted his reputation. [tainted: verb]
Example
The investigation was tainted by the detective's bias. [tainted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Taint is more commonly used than fouled in everyday language. Taint is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while fouled is more specific to sports contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fouled and taint?
Both fouled and taint are relatively informal words, but taint may be slightly more formal due to its versatility and ability to be used in more serious or professional contexts.
