What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
involve
Example
The project will involve several team members from different departments. [involve: verb]
Example
The recipe involves using fresh ingredients for the best flavor. [involves: present tense]
embroil
Example
He didn't want to embroil himself in their family drama. [embroil: verb]
Example
The politician's comments embroiled him in a scandal. [embroiled: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Involve is much more commonly used in everyday language than embroil. Involve is versatile and can be used in a wide range of contexts, while embroil is more specific and typically used in situations involving conflict or controversy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between involve and embroil?
Both involve and embroil can be used in formal and informal contexts, but involve is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.