What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fuel
Example
Gasoline is a common fuel used in cars. [fuel: noun]
Example
We need to fuel up the generator before we lose power. [fuel: verb]
combustible
Example
The warehouse stored many combustible materials that needed to be handled with care. [combustible: adjective]
Example
Wood is a combustible material that can be used as fuel. [combustible: noun]
Example
His comments were highly combustible and sparked a heated debate. [combustible: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fuel is a more common term than combustible and is used in a wider range of contexts, including transportation, energy production, and motivation. Combustible is less common and is typically used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fuel and combustible?
Fuel is a more formal term that is commonly used in technical or scientific contexts, while combustible is less formal and more commonly used in everyday language.
