What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gels
Example
He applied some hair gel to style his hair. [gel: noun]
Example
The doctor applied some gel to the patient's skin before the ultrasound. [gel: noun]
paste
Example
She brushed her teeth with some toothpaste. [paste: noun]
Example
The recipe called for two tablespoons of tomato paste. [paste: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Paste is more commonly used than gels in everyday language. Paste is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gels are less common and have more specific applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gels and paste?
While gels are typically associated with a casual and informal tone, paste can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.