What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
infect
Example
The virus can infect anyone who comes into contact with it. [infect: verb]
Example
My computer was infected with a virus after I clicked on a suspicious link. [infected: past tense]
Example
Her positive attitude infected the entire team, and they all felt motivated. [infected: past participle]
pollute
Example
The factory's waste products polluted the nearby river. [pollute: verb]
Example
The city's air is heavily polluted due to high levels of traffic. [polluted: adjective]
Example
The politician's lies polluted the integrity of the election process. [polluted: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pollute is more commonly used than infect in everyday language, especially in the context of environmental issues. Infect is more specialized and is primarily used in medical or biological contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between infect and pollute?
Pollute is generally considered more formal than infect, as it is often used in scientific or technical writing. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
