What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
guano
Example
The guano on the cave floor was several inches thick. [guano: noun]
Example
Farmers in Peru have been using guano as a natural fertilizer for centuries. [guano: noun]
Example
The company specializes in the import and export of guano products. [guano: noun]
compost
Example
The garden soil was enriched with compost to improve its fertility. [compost: noun]
Example
We compost our food scraps and yard waste to reduce landfill waste. [composting: gerund or present participle]
Example
The farmer uses compost tea to nourish his crops naturally. [compost: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compost is more commonly used than guano in everyday language, especially in gardening and farming contexts. Guano is less common and may be more associated with commercial agriculture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between guano and compost?
Both guano and compost can be used in formal and informal contexts, but guano may be more associated with technical or scientific language due to its commercial use and specific source.