What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tuff
Example
The ancient city was built using tuff as the main construction material. [tuff: noun]
Example
The tuff rock is easy to carve and shape into different forms. [tuff: adjective]
tufa
Example
The tufa formations in the lake are a popular tourist attraction. [tufa: noun]
Example
The tufa rock is often used as a building material due to its lightness and durability. [tufa: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tuff is more commonly used than tufa in everyday language, especially in the context of construction and geology. Tufa is less common and is mostly used in geological or decorative contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tuff and tufa?
Both tuff and tufa are relatively formal words that are mostly used in technical or scientific contexts, such as geology, architecture, or archaeology.