What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impurity
Example
The water had impurities that made it unsafe to drink. [impurities: noun]
Example
The metal was removed from the ore by removing the impurities. [impurities: noun]
pollution
Example
The pollution from the factory caused health problems for the nearby residents. [pollution: noun]
Example
The government implemented policies to reduce pollution from cars and factories. [pollution: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pollution is a more commonly used term than impurity in everyday language, especially in the context of environmental issues and public health. Impurity is a more technical term used in scientific and industrial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impurity and pollution?
Impurity is a more formal term than pollution, which is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
