What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
blockage
Example
The blockage in the pipe caused the water to back up in the sink. [blockage: noun]
Example
The construction work created a blockage on the road, causing traffic to come to a standstill. [blockage: noun]
clog
Example
The leaves clogged the gutter, causing rainwater to overflow. [clogged: past tense verb]
Example
She had to call a plumber because the sink was clogged with hair. [clogged: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Blockage is more commonly used than clog in technical or medical contexts. However, in everyday language, clog is more frequently used to describe obstructions or blockages in drains, pipes, or other household objects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between blockage and clog?
While blockage is often associated with technical or medical terminology, clog is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
