What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
banish
Example
The king decided to banish the traitor from the kingdom. [banish: verb]
Example
She banished all negative thoughts from her mind and focused on positivity. [banished: past tense]
expel
Example
The student was expelled from school for cheating on the exam. [expel: verb]
Example
The volcano erupted, expelling ash and smoke into the air. [expelling: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expel is more commonly used than banish in everyday language, especially when referring to removing someone from a school or organization. Banish is less common and is often found in literature or formal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between banish and expel?
While banish is typically associated with a more formal tone, expel is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
