What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pasty
Example
After being sick for a week, her face looked pasty and pale. [pasty: adjective]
Example
I bought a delicious chicken and mushroom pasty from the bakery. [pasty: noun]
Example
The dough was too pasty, so I added more flour to make it smoother. [pasty: adjective]
sallow
Example
He looked sallow and tired after working long hours without rest. [sallow: adjective]
Example
The sallow tree in the park is a popular spot for birdwatching. [sallow: noun]
Example
Her sallow expression suggested that she was not in a good mood. [sallow: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sallow is less common than pasty in everyday language. Pasty is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while sallow is more specific and often used in medical or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pasty and sallow?
Both pasty and sallow are considered formal words and are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing.
