What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
neutralized
Example
The acid was neutralized with a base. [neutralized: past tense]
Example
The effects of the poison were neutralized by the antidote. [neutralized: past participle]
counteract
Example
Eating healthy foods can help counteract the negative effects of stress. [counteract: verb]
Example
The medication is designed to counteract the symptoms of the disease. [counteract: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Counteract is more commonly used than neutralized in everyday language. Counteract is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while neutralized is more specific and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between neutralized and counteract?
Both neutralized and counteract can be used in formal or technical contexts. However, neutralized is more commonly associated with technical or scientific writing, while counteract can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
