What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pyrolyze
Example
The wood was pyrolyzed to produce charcoal. [pyrolyzed: past tense]
Example
The plastic bottles were pyrolyzed to produce fuel oil. [pyrolyzed: past participle]
char
Example
The wood was charred in the fire. [charred: past tense]
Example
The steak was cooked to perfection with a nice char on the outside. [char: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Char is more commonly used than pyrolyze in everyday language, especially when referring to burnt food or wood. Pyrolyze is a technical term that is more commonly used in scientific or industrial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pyrolyze and char?
Pyrolyze is a more formal term than char, which is often used in casual conversation. However, both words can be used in formal or technical contexts depending on the situation.
