What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trash
Example
Please take out the trash before it starts to smell. [trash: noun]
Example
He trashed all of his old clothes and bought new ones. [trashed: past tense verb]
debris
Example
The debris from the explosion was scattered across the entire block. [debris: noun]
Example
The workers cleared away the debris from the construction site. [debris: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trash is a more commonly used word than debris in everyday language. Trash is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while debris is less common and usually used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trash and debris?
Both trash and debris are informal words, but debris may be used in more formal contexts, such as scientific or technical writing, due to its neutral connotation.
