What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inflammation
Example
The inflammation in my knee made it difficult to walk. [inflammation: noun]
Example
The doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the swelling. [anti-inflammatory: adjective]
swelling
Example
The swelling in her ankle was so severe that she couldn't put any weight on it. [swelling: noun]
Example
The mosquito bite caused a small swelling on my arm. [swelling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swelling is more commonly used than inflammation in everyday language. Swelling is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while inflammation is more specific and often used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inflammation and swelling?
Inflammation is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while swelling is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
