What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
polluted
Example
The river is polluted with chemicals from the factory upstream. [polluted: adjective]
Example
The city's air is heavily polluted due to traffic and factories. [polluted: past participle]
dirty
Example
The kitchen is dirty and needs to be cleaned. [dirty: adjective]
Example
He got his hands dirty while working in the garden. [dirty: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dirty is a more commonly used word than polluted in everyday language. Dirty is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while polluted is more specific and often used in environmental or scientific discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between polluted and dirty?
Polluted is generally considered a more formal word than dirty. It is often used in technical or scientific contexts, while dirty is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
