What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
eat
Example
I like to eat pizza for dinner. [eat: verb]
Example
Eating a balanced diet is important for good health. [eating: gerund or present participle]
swallow
Example
I had to swallow the pill with water. [swallow: verb]
Example
Swallowing food too quickly can cause choking. [swallowing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Eat is a more common word than swallow in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of food-related activities. Swallow is more commonly used in medical or anatomical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between eat and swallow?
Both eat and swallow are generally considered neutral and can be used in formal or informal contexts without sounding overly casual or formal.
