What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inflammation
Example
The doctor prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the inflammation in my knee. [inflammation: noun]
Example
After injuring my ankle, I noticed some inflammation and tenderness around the affected area. [inflammation: noun]
infection
Example
The patient was diagnosed with a bacterial infection and prescribed antibiotics. [infection: noun]
Example
I caught a viral infection and had to stay home from work for a few days. [infection: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Infection is more commonly used than inflammation in everyday language. Infection is a common medical condition that affects many people, while inflammation is a more specialized term used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inflammation and infection?
Both inflammation and infection are formal terms used in medical contexts. However, infection is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
