What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deletion
Example
I made a deletion in the report to remove the confidential information. [deletion: noun]
Example
The deletion of old emails helped free up space on my computer. [deletion: gerund or present participle]
erasure
Example
The erasure of the building from the map was necessary due to the construction work. [erasure: noun]
Example
She was erasing the whiteboard after the class ended. [erasing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deletion is more commonly used than erasure in everyday language, especially in digital contexts. Erasure is less common and has a more formal or literary tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deletion and erasure?
Both deletion and erasure are formal words, but deletion is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while erasure is more often used in formal or literary contexts.
