What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
receded
Example
The floodwaters receded, revealing the damage left behind. [receded: verb]
Example
The sound of the train receded into the distance. [receded: past tense]
Example
The pain in my knee has finally receded after taking medication. [receded: past participle]
subside
Example
The storm subsided, and the sun came out. [subsided: verb]
Example
After a few minutes, the pain in my stomach subsided. [subsided: past tense]
Example
The ground beneath the building began to subside, causing cracks in the walls. [subsiding: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Subside is more commonly used than recede in everyday language. Subside is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while recede is less common and refers to a specific situation involving water or flood.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between receded and subside?
Both recede and subside are formal words that can be used in academic or technical writing. However, subside is more versatile and can also be used in informal contexts, while recede is less common and may sound overly formal in some situations.
