What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emptying
Example
She was emptying the trash can into the dumpster. [emptying: present participle]
Example
The doctor recommended emptying her bladder before the procedure. [emptying: gerund]
evacuation
Example
The city ordered the evacuation of all residents due to the approaching hurricane. [evacuation: noun]
Example
The firefighters were responsible for the evacuation of the building during the fire. [evacuation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Emptying is more commonly used than evacuation in everyday language. Emptying is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while evacuation is more specific and typically used in emergency or disaster scenarios.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emptying and evacuation?
Both emptying and evacuation are neutral in tone and can be used in formal and informal contexts.