What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purge
Example
The company decided to purge all non-performing employees. [purge: verb]
Example
The doctor recommended a juice cleanse to purge toxins from my body. [purge: noun]
expel
Example
The school principal decided to expel the student for breaking the rules. [expel: verb]
Example
The car's exhaust system expels harmful gases into the environment. [expels: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expel is more commonly used than purge in everyday language. Expel is more straightforward and has a narrower range of meanings, making it easier to use in various contexts. Purge, on the other hand, is less common and has a more specific meaning, making it more suitable for specialized or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purge and expel?
Both purge and expel can be used in formal and informal contexts, but expel is generally associated with a more serious or punitive tone, while purge can have a neutral or positive connotation depending on the context.
