What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tar
Example
The workers applied tar to the roof to prevent water from leaking in. [tar: noun]
Example
The road was covered in tar to make it smooth and durable. [tar: verb]
asphalt
Example
The city is repaving the street with asphalt to make it smoother. [asphalt: noun]
Example
The workers are laying down the asphalt on the new parking lot. [asphalt: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Asphalt is more commonly used than tar in everyday language, especially in the context of road construction and maintenance.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between tar and asphalt?
Asphalt is generally considered more formal than tar, which is often associated with industrial or technical contexts.
