What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deleting
Example
I am deleting all the old emails from my inbox. [deleting: present participle]
Example
She accidentally deleted the important file from her computer. [deleted: past tense]
expunge
Example
The court ordered to expunge his criminal record after he completed his sentence. [expunge: verb]
Example
The company decided to expunge all the outdated products from their inventory. [expunged: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deleting is a more common term than expunge in everyday language, especially in the context of technology and data management. Expunge is a more specialized term that is typically used in legal or formal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between deleting and expunge?
Expunge is a more formal and technical term than deleting, and is typically used in legal or official contexts. Deleting is a more neutral and informal term that can be used in a variety of contexts, including everyday language and informal writing.
