What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ditch
Example
The farmer dug a ditch to divert water away from his crops. [ditch: noun]
Example
The car was found in a ditch on the side of the road. [ditch: noun]
Example
He decided to ditch his old phone and buy a new one. [ditch: verb]
gutter
Example
The gutter overflowed during the heavy rainstorm. [gutter: noun]
Example
The kids played in the gutter after the rain stopped. [gutter: noun]
Example
I don't appreciate your gutter language, please watch your words. [gutter: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gutter is more commonly used than ditch in everyday language. Gutter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ditch is less common and mainly used in specific contexts such as agriculture, drainage, or abandonment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ditch and gutter?
Both ditch and gutter are informal words, but ditch can be used in more formal contexts when referring to a channel or trench for drainage or irrigation purposes.
