What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emit
Example
The sun emits light and heat. [emit: verb]
Example
The radioactive material emits harmful radiation. [emits: present tense]
Example
The car exhaust pipe emits toxic gases into the air. [emit: verb]
release
Example
The animal shelter released the rescued dogs back into the wild. [released: past tense]
Example
The company plans to release a new product next month. [release: verb]
Example
The dam released water into the river after heavy rainfall. [released: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Release is more commonly used than emit in everyday language. Release is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while emit is more specific and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emit and release?
Both emit and release can be used in formal and informal contexts, but emit is more commonly used in technical or scientific writing, which tends to be more formal in tone.
