What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drain
Example
The rainwater flows through the drain and into the sewer. [drain: noun]
Example
I need to drain the sink before washing the dishes. [drain: verb]
Example
The long hours of work can drain your energy. [drain: verb]
gutter
Example
The rainwater flows down the gutter and into the drain. [gutter: noun]
Example
Be careful not to step in the gutter, it's full of water. [gutter: noun]
Example
His jokes were in the gutter and offended many people. [gutter: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drain is more commonly used than gutter in everyday language. Drain is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while gutter is more specific and limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drain and gutter?
Drain is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, while gutter is more casual and informal in tone.
