What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plankton
Example
The ocean is teeming with plankton, from tiny bacteria to large jellyfish. [plankton: noun]
Example
Planktonic organisms are essential for the survival of many marine species. [planktonic: adjective]
phytoplankton
Example
Phytoplankton are responsible for producing over half of the world's oxygen. [phytoplankton: noun]
Example
The abundance of phytoplankton in the water is a good indicator of the overall health of the ecosystem. [phytoplankton: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plankton is a more commonly used term than phytoplankton in everyday language, as it is a broader term that encompasses a wider range of organisms. However, phytoplankton is more commonly used in scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plankton and phytoplankton?
Phytoplankton is a more formal term than plankton, as it is often used in scientific and academic contexts to refer to specific types of photosynthetic organisms.
