What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
particle
Example
The air is filled with particles of dust and pollen. [particle: noun]
Example
I found a particle of sand in my shoe. [particle: noun]
Example
He couldn't understand the sentence because of the particle 'not' in it. [particle: noun]
speck
Example
There was a speck of dirt on the window. [speck: noun]
Example
I only need a speck of salt for this recipe. [speck: noun]
Example
He's just a speck in the grand scheme of things. [speck: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Speck is more commonly used than particle in everyday language, while particle is more specialized and used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between particle and speck?
Particle is more formal than speck, as it is often used in scientific or technical writing and has a more technical connotation.
