What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gargle
Example
I gargled with salt water to soothe my sore throat. [gargled: past tense]
Example
The doctor prescribed gargling with an antiseptic solution to treat the infection. [gargling: present participle]
swish
Example
I always swish with mouthwash after brushing my teeth. [swish: verb]
Example
The basketball player made a swish shot from the three-point line. [swish: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swish is more commonly used than gargle in everyday language. Swish is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gargle is less common and refers to a specific act of rinsing the mouth and throat with a liquid.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gargle and swish?
Both gargle and swish are relatively informal words and can be used in casual conversations. However, gargle may be associated with a more serious or medical tone due to its primary use for medicinal purposes.
