What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fume
Example
The factory fumes were causing air pollution. [fumes: noun]
Example
I could smell the fumes from the car exhaust. [fumes: plural noun]
Example
She was fuming with anger after the argument. [fuming: verb]
smoke
Example
The chimney was smoking heavily. [smoking: verb]
Example
He took a long drag on his cigarette and exhaled smoke. [smoke: noun]
Example
There's no smoke without fire, so we need to investigate further. [smoke: idiom]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smoke is more commonly used than fume in everyday language. Smoke is a more general term that covers a wide range of contexts, while fume is more specific and technical.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fume and smoke?
While fume is typically associated with a technical or scientific tone, smoke is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
