What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phlegm
Example
She coughed up phlegm after her cold. [phlegm: noun]
Example
He felt phlegmy and congested after being exposed to allergens. [phlegmy: adjective]
sputum
Example
The doctor asked him to provide a sputum sample for testing. [sputum: noun]
Example
She had difficulty breathing and coughed up yellowish sputum. [sputum: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Phlegm is more commonly used than sputum in everyday language, as it is a more familiar term to describe respiratory symptoms. Sputum is more technical and medical, and is often used in clinical settings or diagnostic procedures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between phlegm and sputum?
Sputum is a more formal term than phlegm, as it is primarily used in medical or scientific contexts. Phlegm is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
