What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hydraulic
Example
The hydraulic press exerted tremendous force on the metal sheet. [hydraulic: adjective]
Example
The excavator was equipped with a hydraulic system to lift heavy loads. [hydraulic: noun]
pneumatic
Example
The pneumatic drill made short work of the concrete wall. [pneumatic: adjective]
Example
The assembly line used pneumatic tools to speed up production. [pneumatic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hydraulic is more commonly used than pneumatic in everyday language, especially in the context of machinery and equipment. However, both words are technical terms that are more commonly used in engineering and physics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hydraulic and pneumatic?
Both hydraulic and pneumatic are technical terms that are more commonly used in formal or technical contexts. However, pneumatic may be slightly less formal than hydraulic due to its association with tools and equipment rather than heavy machinery.
