What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
peppered
Example
The chef peppered the steak before grilling it. [peppered: verb]
Example
The conversation was peppered with jokes and anecdotes. [peppered: past participle]
sprinkled
Example
She sprinkled cinnamon on top of the apple pie. [sprinkled: verb]
Example
The garden was sprinkled with colorful flowers. [sprinkled: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sprinkled is more commonly used than peppered in everyday language. Sprinkled is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while peppered is more specific and limited to the use of black pepper in food preparation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between peppered and sprinkled?
Both peppered and sprinkled are casual and informal words that can be used in everyday conversation. However, peppered may be slightly more formal due to its association with cooking and food preparation.