What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mucus
Example
The cold made my nose run with clear mucus. [mucus: noun]
Example
Mucus protects the stomach lining from digestive acids. [mucus: noun]
phlegm
Example
The smoker's cough produced a lot of phlegm. [phlegm: noun]
Example
I had trouble breathing due to the phlegm in my chest. [phlegm: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Phlegm is more commonly used in medical contexts, while mucus is more commonly used in everyday language. Both words are important to know for understanding respiratory health and discussing symptoms with healthcare professionals.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between mucus and phlegm?
Phlegm is a more formal term than mucus, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
