What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ousted
Example
The CEO was ousted from his position after the company's financial scandal. [ousted: verb]
Example
The family was ousted from their home due to unpaid rent. [ousted: past tense]
expel
Example
The school board voted to expel the student for repeated disciplinary issues. [expel: verb]
Example
The volcano expelled ash and smoke into the air. [expelled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expel is more commonly used than ousted in everyday language. Expel is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ousted is less common and refers to a specific type of removal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ousted and expel?
Both ousted and expel can be used in formal or informal contexts, but ousted may be more formal due to its association with positions of power or authority.