What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phlegmy
Example
She had a phlegmy cough that lasted for weeks. [phlegmy: adjective]
Example
He woke up feeling phlegmy and congested. [phlegmy: adjective]
sputum
Example
The doctor asked for a sample of sputum to test for infection. [sputum: noun]
Example
The color and consistency of the sputum can indicate the severity of the illness. [sputum: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sputum is a more technical term and is commonly used in medical settings. Phlegmy is less formal and is more commonly used in everyday language to describe symptoms.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between phlegmy and sputum?
Sputum is a more formal and technical term used in medical settings, while phlegmy is less formal and is more commonly used in everyday language.
