What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gargle
Example
She gargled with salt water to soothe her sore throat. [gargled: past tense]
Example
The doctor recommended gargling with antiseptic mouthwash to treat the infection. [gargling: gerund or present participle]
rinse
Example
I rinsed the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. [rinsed: past tense]
Example
After shampooing, she rinsed her hair with cold water to add shine. [rinsed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rinse is more commonly used than gargle in everyday language. Rinse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gargle is less common and refers to a specific oral hygiene or medical treatment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gargle and rinse?
While gargle is typically associated with a formal or medical tone, rinse is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
