What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dust
Example
I need to dust the shelves before putting the books back. [dust: verb]
Example
The room was covered in a thick layer of dust. [dust: noun]
Example
The car kicked up a cloud of dust as it drove down the dirt road. [dust: noun]
powder
Example
She sprinkled some powder on her face to reduce shine. [powder: noun]
Example
The recipe calls for two cups of powdered sugar. [powdered: adjective]
Example
The explosive was in the form of a white powder. [powder: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dust is more commonly used than powder in everyday language, as it is a more versatile word that covers a wider range of contexts. Powder is more specific and often used in technical or specialized fields, such as cosmetics, chemistry, or cooking.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dust and powder?
While both dust and powder can be used in formal or informal contexts, powder is often associated with a more formal or technical tone due to its specialized usage in various fields.
