What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aggradation
Example
The aggradation of the riverbed caused flooding in the surrounding areas. [aggradation: noun]
Example
The delta was formed through the aggradation of sediment carried by the river. [aggradation: gerund or present participle]
accumulation
Example
The accumulation of snow on the roads made driving difficult. [accumulation: noun]
Example
She has been accumulating knowledge in her field for years. [accumulating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accumulation is more commonly used than aggradation in everyday language. Accumulation is a general term that covers a wide range of contexts, while aggradation is a more specialized term used primarily in geology or earth science.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aggradation and accumulation?
Both aggradation and accumulation can be used in scientific or technical contexts, but aggradation may be considered more formal due to its specialized nature and association with geology or earth science.
