What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
squirt
Example
He squirted ketchup on his fries. [squirted: past tense]
Example
The child squirted water at his friend with a water gun. [squirted: past participle]
spray
Example
She sprayed perfume on her wrist. [sprayed: past tense]
Example
The gardener sprayed the plants with insecticide. [sprayed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spray is more commonly used than squirt in everyday language. Spray is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while squirt is less common and refers to a more specific type of liquid release.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between squirt and spray?
Both squirt and spray are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, spray may be more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels than squirt.
