What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inflammable
Example
Be careful with that gasoline, it's inflammable. [inflammable: adjective]
Example
The warehouse contained many inflammable chemicals that required special handling. [inflammable: adjective]
flammable
Example
This paper is highly flammable, keep it away from the stove. [flammable: adjective]
Example
The factory stored flammable materials in a separate area to prevent accidents. [flammable: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flammable is more commonly used than inflammable in everyday language, especially in British English. Inflammable is less common and may be confusing due to its misleading prefix 'in-'.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inflammable and flammable?
Both inflammable and flammable are technical terms used in specific contexts, such as chemistry, transportation, or safety regulations. Therefore, they are considered formal words and may not be suitable for casual conversations or informal writing.
