What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spray
Example
She sprayed some perfume on her wrist. [sprayed: past tense]
Example
The gardener used a spray to water the plants. [spray: noun]
aerosol
Example
The hairspray comes in an aerosol can. [aerosol: noun]
Example
He used an aerosol spray to clean the computer keyboard. [aerosol: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spray is more commonly used than aerosol in everyday language, especially when referring to personal care products. However, aerosol is more commonly used in household and industrial settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spray and aerosol?
Both spray and aerosol can be used in formal and informal contexts, but aerosol may be more commonly used in technical or scientific settings due to its specific definition and usage.
