What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gargling
Example
The doctor recommended gargling with salt water to soothe my sore throat. [gargling: gerund or present participle]
Example
I heard him gargling in the bathroom before bed. [gargling: present participle]
swishing
Example
I always swish with mouthwash after brushing my teeth. [swish: verb]
Example
She was swishing water around in her mouth to get rid of the bad taste. [swishing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swishing is more commonly used than gargling in everyday language. Swishing is a common part of oral hygiene routines, while gargling is less frequently used and is mainly associated with medicinal purposes.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between gargling and swishing?
Both gargling and swishing are relatively informal terms and can be used in casual conversations. However, gargling may be more associated with medical or clinical settings, making it slightly more formal than swishing.
