What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abrasion
Example
The athlete suffered an abrasion on his knee after falling on the pavement. [abrasion: noun]
Example
The constant abrasion of the waves against the rocks caused them to become smooth over time. [abrasion: noun]
rubbing
Example
She was rubbing her sore neck to relieve the tension. [rubbing: verb]
Example
I tried rubbing the stain out of my shirt with soap and water. [rubbing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rubbing is more commonly used than abrasion in everyday language. Rubbing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while abrasion is less common and typically used in medical or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abrasion and rubbing?
Abrasion is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while rubbing is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
