What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
floods
Example
The floods in the city have caused widespread damage to homes and businesses. [floods: noun]
Example
The river flooded after heavy rains, submerging the nearby fields. [flooded: past tense]
torrent
Example
The storm caused a torrent of water to rush down the mountain, flooding the valley below. [torrent: noun]
Example
She spoke in a torrent of words, barely pausing for breath. [torrent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Floods are more commonly used than torrents in everyday language, especially when referring to natural disasters. Torrents are less common and are more likely to be used in specific contexts, such as describing a sudden and forceful rush of water.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between floods and torrent?
Both floods and torrents are typically associated with a formal tone, especially when discussing natural disasters or their effects on people and communities.
