What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
krill
Example
The blue whale feeds on krill by filtering them through its baleen plates. [krill: noun]
Example
Krill are often found in large swarms near the surface of the ocean. [krill: noun]
plankton
Example
Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that produce half of the world's oxygen. [plankton: noun]
Example
Zooplankton are tiny animals that feed on phytoplankton and are themselves eaten by larger predators. [plankton: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plankton is a more commonly used term than krill in everyday language, as it refers to a broader group of organisms that are essential to the marine ecosystem. Krill is a more specialized term that is typically used in scientific or ecological contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between krill and plankton?
Both krill and plankton are scientific terms that are used in formal contexts, such as academic papers or research studies. However, plankton is also commonly used in informal contexts, such as nature documentaries or popular science articles.
