What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vinyl
Example
The upholstery on the chair is made of vinyl. [vinyl: noun]
Example
I love listening to vinyl records on my turntable. [vinyl: adjective]
Example
The kitchen floor is covered in vinyl tiles. [vinyl: adjective]
plastic
Example
The water bottle is made of plastic. [plastic: noun]
Example
The toy car is made of plastic. [plastic: adjective]
Example
She underwent plastic surgery to enhance her appearance. [plastic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plastic is more commonly used than vinyl in everyday language, as it is a more versatile and widely used material.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vinyl and plastic?
Both vinyl and plastic can be used in formal and informal contexts, but vinyl may be associated with a more niche or specialized context, such as in the music industry or flooring installation.