Mold vs Mould
What’s the difference between them?
Mold
Meaning:
Mold is a noun that means a type of fungus that grows in moist, warm areas and often appears as a furry or slimy substance on food or other materials.
Examples:
1. I found some mold growing in the corner of my bathroom.
2. The cheese had a thick layer of mold on it.
Mould
Meaning:
Meaning is the same, but such spelling is mostly used in British English.
Examples:
1. The walls were covered in a thick layer of mould.
2. We used a mould to make chocolate shapes.
3. The food had gone bad and had started to form mould.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Mold
1. Shape
2. Cast
3. Formulate/Formation
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Mould
1. Shape
2. Cast
3. Forge a form
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Mold", "Mould".
1. Remember that 'mold' is the spelling used in American English, while 'mould' is the spelling used in British English.
2. Use a mnemonic phrase. For example: 'Mold in American is like cold, while in British it's like could.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word 'Mold'?
Mold is most often used when referring to a type of fungus found in warm, damp environments. It is also used in the context of shaping or forming an object, such as in the phrase ‘mold a sculpture out of clay’. In American English, the word ‘mold’ is also commonly used to describe the shape of something, as in a ‘mold of a person’s face’.
When to use the second word 'Mould'?
Mould is most often used in British English as a synonym of the word ‘mold’. It is also used when referring to the process of creating something by pouring liquid into a form or shape. For example, ‘The chocolatier poured the melted chocolate into a mould to create a variety of shapes’.
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both ‘mold’ and ‘mould’ are pronounced the same way. The only difference is the spelling, which is determined by the region in which the word is used.
What are common mistakes associated with words 'Mold' and 'Mould'?
One of the most common mistakes associated with these words is that people often use the wrong spelling of the word depending on the region they are in. For example, someone from the United States may spell ‘mold’ when they mean ‘mould’, and vice versAnother mistake is that the words may sometimes be used interchangeably when they should not be, such as when referring to the process of creating something. In this case, the word ‘mould’ should be used rather than ‘mold’.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The cheese left in the fridge developed a layer of _____.
2. In the UK, they use the word _____ to refer to a fungus that grows in damp conditions.
3. In the USA, they spell it as _____ when talking about a frame for shaping something.
4. The artist used a _____ to create a beautiful sculpture.
5. The old bread was covered in _____ after being left out for too long.
6. The _____ in the bathroom needs to be cleaned immediately.
1. Answer: mold/mould.
Explanation: Both mold and mould are correct, depending on the regional spelling conventions. Mold is used in American English, while mould is used in British English. Both words refer to a fungus that grows in damp or decaying matter.
2. Answer: mould.
Explanation: Mould is the correct spelling in British English, which is indicated by the reference to the UK. It refers to a fungus that appears on organic matter in damp conditions.
3. Answer: mold.
Explanation: Mold is the correct spelling in American English, as indicated by the reference to the USA. It can refer to a frame for shaping something or a fungus that grows in damp conditions.
4. Answer: mold/mould.
Explanation: Both mold and mould can be used here, depending on whether American or British English is being used. Both words refer to a frame or template for shaping materials.
5. Answer: mold/mould.
Explanation: Both mold and mould are correct, with the choice depending on the regional spelling preference. Both words refer to a fungus that grows on decaying matter.
6. Answer: mold/mould.
Explanation: Both mold and mould can be used here, depending on whether American or British English is being used. Both words refer to a fungus that grows in damp conditions.
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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.