What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flume
Example
The lumberjacks used the flume to transport the logs down the mountain. [flume: noun]
Example
The hydroelectric plant uses a flume to carry water from the reservoir to the turbines. [flume: noun]
canal
Example
The Panama Canal is an important shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. [canal: noun]
Example
The farmers dug a canal to bring water from the river to their crops. [canal: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Canal is more commonly used than flume in everyday language, especially in the context of transportation and irrigation. Flume is less common and often associated with specific industries such as logging or hydroelectric power.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flume and canal?
Both flume and canal can be used in formal and informal contexts, but canal is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of situations.
