Foul vs Fowl
What’s the difference between them?
Foul
Meaning:
Having a bad smell; offensive violation of the rules; disgusting.
Examples:
1. The referee blew the whistle to call the foul.
2. The smell of the garbage was so foul that we had to close the windows.
3. His language was foul and inappropriate for the setting.
Fowl
Meaning:
A fowl is any bird kept for its meat, eggs, or feathers.
Examples:
1. My grandpa raises various types of fowl in his backyard.
2. The fowl strutted around the garden, pecking at the ground for food.
3. I love to eat fowl for dinner on special occasions.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Foul
1. Obscene
2. Repugnant
3. Putrid
4. Nauseating
5. Disgusting
1. Pleasant
2. Fragrant
3. Clean
4. Aromatic
5. Sweet-smelling
Fowl
1. Poultry
2. Bird
3. Avian
4. Feathered Creature
5. Winged Animal
1. Mammal
2. Domesticate
3. Carnivore
4. Human
5. Catastrophe
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Foul", "Fowl".
1. Remember, 'foul' is used to describe something that smells bad or a violation of the rules.
2. Remember, 'fowl' is used to describe a type of bird used for its meat, eggs, or feathers.
3. If you remember that a fowl is a type of bird, you can easily remember the spelling.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word 'foul' be used?
The word 'foul' can be used to describe something that has a bad smell, is considered morally offensive, or is generally disgusting. It can also be used to describe a violation of the rules of a game or sport.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word 'fowl'?
The word 'fowl' is typically used to refer to any bird kept for its meat, eggs, or feathers. It is commonly used in the context of hunting, or in discussions about poultry farming.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words are pronounced differently. The word 'foul' is pronounced with a short 'o' sound, while the word 'fowl' is pronounced with a long 'o' sound.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
People often confuse these two words when speaking or writing. Additionally, some may incorrectly use the word 'fowl' when they mean 'foul'. It is important to make sure you are using the correct word in the correct context.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The player was given a penalty for a _____ ball that he kicked outside the field.
2. We are planning to roast a _____ for dinner this evening.
3. Theres a _____ smell coming from the garbage bin; we should probably empty it.
4. Domesticated _____ are often raised on farms for their meat and eggs.
5. The river became polluted and had a _____ odor that made residents concerned.
6. In some cultures, eating certain types of wild _____ is considered a delicacy.
1. The player was given a penalty for a foul ball that he kicked outside the field.
Explanation: In this context, the word refers to a violation of the rules in sports, so foul is the correct choice.
2. We are planning to roast a fowl for dinner this evening.
Explanation: The sentence is referring to a bird that is going to be cooked, making fowl the appropriate term.
3. Theres a foul smell coming from the garbage bin; we should probably empty it.
Explanation: Here, we are describing an unpleasant smell, so foul is the right word.
4. Domesticated fowl are often raised on farms for their meat and eggs.
Explanation: Were discussing birds that are kept for their products; thus, fowl fits the context.
5. The river became polluted and had a foul odor that made residents concerned.
Explanation: This sentence describes an unpleasant smell, which means foul is the appropriate term.
6. In some cultures, eating certain types of wild fowl is considered a delicacy.
Explanation: The context is referring to birds that are eaten, making fowl the correct choice.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.