What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mist
Example
The morning mist was so thick that I could barely see the trees. [mist: noun]
Example
The mountain peak was shrouded in mist, making it difficult to see the trail ahead. [mist: adjective]
Example
We went for a hike in the misty forest and felt rejuvenated by the cool and damp air. [misty: adjective]
fog
Example
The airport had to cancel flights due to the heavy fog that covered the runway. [fog: noun]
Example
The driver had to slow down because the fog made it hard to see the road ahead. [fog: verb]
Example
The old castle looked even more spooky and haunted in the thick fog. [foggy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fog is more commonly used than mist in everyday language, especially in weather reports and travel advisories. Mist is more commonly used in poetic or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mist and fog?
Both mist and fog are versatile and can be used in various formality levels, but mist is more likely to be used in formal or literary contexts, while fog is more commonly used in informal or everyday language.