What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chugging
Example
He was chugging down his soda to quench his thirst. [chugging: present participle]
Example
The train chugged along the tracks, carrying passengers to their destination. [chugged: past tense]
draining
Example
She drained the glass of water in one gulp. [drained: past tense]
Example
The long hike left him feeling completely drained of energy. [drained: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Draining is more commonly used than chugging in everyday language. Draining has a broader range of contexts and can be used metaphorically, while chugging is more specific to the act of drinking quickly.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chugging and draining?
Both chugging and draining are informal words, suitable for casual conversations or informal writing.