What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drowning
Example
The lifeguard rescued the child from drowning in the pool. [drowning: noun]
Example
She was drowning in debt and needed help. [drowning: present participle]
submersion
Example
The scuba diver enjoyed the submersion into the deep sea. [submersion: noun]
Example
The chef recommended submerging the vegetables in boiling water for a few minutes. [submerging: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drowning is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in news reports and emergency situations. Submersion is more technical and specific to certain contexts, such as scuba diving or cooking.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drowning and submersion?
Submersion is more formal and technical than drowning, which is more commonly used in informal and everyday language.
