What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
splatter
Example
The paint splattered all over the floor. [splattered: past tense]
Example
I heard the rain splattering against the window. [splattering: gerund or present participle]
spray
Example
She sprayed perfume on her wrist. [sprayed: past tense]
Example
The gardener used a spray to water the plants. [spray: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spray is more commonly used than splatter in everyday language. Spray is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while splatter is less common and often used in specific situations where liquid has been accidentally or forcefully dispersed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between splatter and spray?
While splatter is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, spray is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.