noun · neutral
soil
/sɔɪl/SOIL
the top layer of the earth in which plants grow
Examples
“The farmer tests the soil before planting to check nutrient levels.”
“Soil erosion can reduce farm productivity over time.”
“Compost improves soil quality and helps plants grow.”
Band 8 sentence
“Improving soil quality through organic matter and crop rotation is essential for sustainable yields and long-term food security.”
Collocations
- soil erosion
- fertile soil
- soil quality
- topsoil
Word family
Common mistakes
There are many soils in the field.→There is a lot of soil in the field.
They sold the earth to a company.→They sold the land to a company.
Say it for a higher band
5dirt→6ground→7+soil
Synonyms
earth
ground
Easily confused
earth
“They drilled deep into the earth to collect core samples.”
ground
“The children sat on the ground and ate their lunch.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Nature & Animals
Learn it with its set