What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
delete
Example
I accidentally deleted all my photos from my phone. [delete: verb]
Example
Can you delete that email you sent me earlier? [delete: verb]
Example
We need to delete this paragraph from the report. [delete: verb]
expunge
Example
The court ordered the criminal record to be expunged. [expunged: past participle]
Example
I wish I could expunge that embarrassing moment from my memory. [expunge: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Delete is a more common word than expunge and is widely used in everyday language, especially in a digital context. Expunge is less common and is typically used in a legal or formal context.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between delete and expunge?
Expunge is a more formal word than delete and is often used in legal or official contexts. Delete is a more versatile word and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
