What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fouling
Example
The referee called a foul on the player for tripping his opponent. [foul: noun]
Example
She accidentally fouled the water by dropping her phone in it. [fouled: past tense verb]
interference
Example
The referee called interference on the player for blocking the path of his opponent. [interference: noun]
Example
The construction noise outside was interfering with my ability to concentrate. [interfering: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Interference is more commonly used than fouling in everyday language due to its wider range of contexts. Fouling is mostly used in sports contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fouling and interference?
Both fouling and interference are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
