What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
embolism
Example
The patient was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism after experiencing shortness of breath. [embolism: noun]
Example
The doctor warned the patient about the risk of developing an embolism after surgery. [developing: verb]
blockage
Example
The plumber found a blockage in the drain that was causing the water to back up. [blockage: noun]
Example
The patient complained of abdominal pain due to a blockage in the intestine. [due to: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Blockage is more commonly used than embolism in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and can refer to various types of obstructions or closures in the body.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between embolism and blockage?
Both embolism and blockage are formal medical terms that are typically used in technical or medical contexts. However, embolism is often associated with a more urgent and serious tone than blockage due to its potential life-threatening nature.
