What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
engulf
Example
The waves engulfed the boat, causing it to capsize. [engulf: verb]
Example
The city was engulfed in flames, destroying everything in its path. [engulfed: past participle]
swallow
Example
She took a deep breath and swallowed the pill. [swallowed: past tense]
Example
The snake swallowed the mouse whole. [swallow: verb]
Example
The company was swallowed up by its larger competitor. [swallowed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swallow is more commonly used than engulf in everyday language. Swallow is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while engulf is less common and refers to more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between engulf and swallow?
Both engulf and swallow are formal words and are not commonly used in informal speech. However, swallow is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while engulf is more specific and often used in technical or scientific writing.
