What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sulfite
Example
The wine contains sulfites to preserve its flavor. [sulfites: noun]
Example
Sulfites are often added to dried fruits to keep them fresh. [sulfites: plural noun]
bisulfite
Example
The bisulfite solution was used to reduce the aldehyde group to an alcohol. [bisulfite: noun]
Example
Bisulfite is commonly used in the canning industry to preserve the color of fruits and vegetables. [bisulfite: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sulfite is more commonly used than bisulfite in everyday language, especially in the context of food and beverage preservation. Bisulfite is less common and is mainly used in the food industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sulfite and bisulfite?
Both sulfite and bisulfite are technical terms used in chemistry and the food industry, making them more formal words. However, sulfite is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, while bisulfite is more specific to the food industry.
