What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
litter
Example
Please don't litter in the park. [litter: verb]
Example
The cat had a litter of five kittens. [litter: noun]
Example
The beach was littered with empty bottles and cans. [littered: past participle]
trash
Example
Don't forget to take out the trash tonight. [trash: noun]
Example
This old computer is just trash now. [trash: adjective]
Example
He trashed the letter after reading it. [trashed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trash is more commonly used than litter in everyday language, especially in American English. Trash is a versatile term that can refer to a wide range of discarded items, while litter is more specific and often associated with careless behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between litter and trash?
Both litter and trash are informal terms and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, litter may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with British English.
