What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grainy
Example
The photograph came out grainy due to low lighting. [grainy: adjective]
Example
The beach sand was so grainy that it got stuck in my shoes. [grainy: adjective]
granular
Example
The sugar was granular and easy to pour. [granular: adjective]
Example
The soil had a granular composition with a mix of sand and clay. [granular: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grainy is more commonly used in everyday language, while granular is more often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grainy and granular?
Granular is more formal than grainy, as it is often used in scientific or technical contexts. Grainy is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.