What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
convalescent
Example
The hospital has a convalescent wing for patients who need extra time to recover. [convalescent: adjective]
Example
After her surgery, she spent two weeks in convalescence before returning to work. [convalescence: noun]
recovering
Example
He is recovering well after his heart attack and should be able to go home soon. [recovering: verb]
Example
The doctor said it will take some time for her to fully recover from her injuries. [recover: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recovering is more commonly used than convalescent in everyday language. Recovering is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while convalescent is less common and is typically used in medical or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between convalescent and recovering?
Convalescent is more formal than recovering, and is often used in medical or institutional settings. Recovering is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
