Sulfur vs Sulphur
What’s the difference between them?
Sulfur
Meaning:
Sulfur (noun): A nonmetallic chemical element with atomic number 16, represented by the symbol S. It is a yellow, brittle solid found naturally in underground deposits and in volcanic gases.
Examples:
1.The smell of sulfur filled the air after the volcano erupted.
2.The periodic table element sulfur is represented by the symbol S.
3.The sulfur in the soil is essential for the growth of healthy plants.
Sulphur
Meaning:
British English spelling of 'sulfur.'
Examples:
1. The intense smell of sulphur was overwhelming.
2. The soil of the volcano was rich in sulphur.
3. The eruption spewed out a cloud of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Sulfur
1. Brimstone
2. Elemental S
3. Sublimate
4. Yellow Mineral
5. Volcanic Ash
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Sulphur
1. Brimstone
2. Sulfur
3. Yellow Sublimate
4. Native Element
5. Volcanic Gas
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Sulfur", "Sulphur".
1. To remember the spelling of 'sulfur', think of the word as similar to 'sulfa', which is another word related to sulfur.
2. In British English, the spelling of 'sulfur' is 'sulphur'. To remember the difference, think of the 'ph' in 'sulphur' representing the 'f' in 'sulfur'.
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Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the word 'sulfur' be used?
Sulfur is most commonly used as a noun to refer to the nonmetallic chemical element with atomic number 16 that is represented by the symbol ‘S.’ It is also used in many everyday products and in various industrial applications, such as vulcanization of rubber, bleaching of textiles, and making cosmetics.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'sulphur'?
Sulphur is the British English spelling of the word ‘sulfur.’ In scientific contexts, sulfur is the preferred spelling, but sulphur is used in many everyday contexts, such as in speech or in writing.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
Yes, both ‘sulfur’ and ‘sulphur’ are pronounced the same way.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake people make when using these words is failing to recognize the difference between British English and American English spelling. It is important to remember that sulfur is the American English spelling of the word, while sulphur is the British English spelling. Additionally, people may confuse sulfur with another chemical element, selenium, which is represented by the symbol ‘Se.’
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The _____ springs in the US national park have a very distinct smell.
2. While studying chemistry in London, Jane learned about the properties of _____.
3. The mineral springs in the American mountains often have traces of _____.
4. Its common to find _____ in British fireworks for specific colors.
5. In both UK and US industrial processes, _____ dioxide is an important compound.
6. During our trip to the English countryside, we visited a _____ mine.
1. The sulfur springs in the US national park have a very distinct smell.
Explanation: The clue US national park indicates American English, so the American spelling sulfur is used.
2. While studying chemistry in London, Jane learned about the properties of sulphur.
Explanation: The reference to London points to British English, so the British spelling sulphur is appropriate.
3. The mineral springs in the American mountains often have traces of sulfur.
Explanation: The word American suggests the use of American English, and therefore the spelling sulfur is correct.
4. Its common to find sulphur in British fireworks for specific colors.
Explanation: The word British is a clear indicator for the use of British English, making sulphur the correct choice.
5. In both UK and US industrial processes, sulfur/sulphur dioxide is an important compound.
Explanation: As theres a reference to both UK and US, either spelling (sulfur for American English or sulphur for British English) can be correct.
6. During our trip to the English countryside, we visited a sulphur mine.
Explanation: The term English countryside provides a hint towards British English, hence sulphur is the suitable spelling.
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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.