What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
evacuate
Example
The government ordered residents to evacuate the area due to the approaching hurricane. [evacuate: verb]
Example
The fire department evacuated the building after the smoke alarm went off. [evacuated: past tense]
Example
Please evacuate the contents of the box before recycling it. [evacuate: verb]
vacate
Example
We need to vacate the hotel room by noon. [vacate: verb]
Example
The tenant must vacate the apartment by the end of the month. [vacate: verb]
Example
The company will vacate the building next year, making it available for lease. [vacate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Evacuate is more commonly used than vacate in everyday language, especially in news reports or emergency situations. Vacate is less common but still widely used in legal or real estate contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between evacuate and vacate?
Vacate is generally considered more formal than evacuate, as it is often used in legal or official documents. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation and tone of the communication.
