What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elapsed
Example
The meeting has been going on for an elapsed time of two hours. [elapsed: adjective]
Example
The elapsed time between the two events was only five minutes. [elapsed: noun]
expire
Example
My gym membership will expire at the end of the month. [expire: verb]
Example
The medicine will expire next year, so we need to use it before then. [expire: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expire is more commonly used than elapsed in everyday language. Expire is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as contracts, agreements, or product validity, while elapsed is less common and is typically used in technical or formal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between elapsed and expire?
Elapsed is typically associated with a formal tone, while expire can be used in both formal and informal contexts.