What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
puff
Example
He took a puff of his cigar and blew the smoke into the air. [puff: noun]
Example
She puffed on her inhaler to help with her asthma. [puffed: verb]
smoke
Example
The chimney was smoking heavily as the fire burned inside. [smoking: verb]
Example
He decided to quit smoking for his health. [smoking: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smoke is a more commonly used word than puff in everyday language. Smoke is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while puff is less common and often used in specific smoking-related contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between puff and smoke?
Both puff and smoke can be used in informal contexts, but smoke can also be used in more formal settings, such as discussing the effects of smoking on health or the environment.
