What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
extractive
Example
The extractive industry is a major contributor to the country's economy. [extractive: adjective]
Example
The chemist used a solvent to extract the compound from the mixture. [extract: verb]
Example
The student was able to extract the main idea from the complex reading. [extract: verb]
mining
Example
The mining company has been operating in the region for over a century. [mining: noun]
Example
The workers were mining for gold in the riverbed. [mining: verb]
Example
The journalist was mining for information about the scandal. [mining: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mining is more commonly used than extractive in everyday language, especially when referring to the extraction of minerals and other geological materials. Extractive is a more technical term that may be used in academic or industry-specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between extractive and mining?
Extractive is a more formal term than mining, which is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.