What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retake
Example
I need to retake my math exam next week. [retake: verb]
Example
The army plans to retake the city from the enemy forces. [retake: verb]
Example
The director decided to retake the scene to get a better shot. [retake: verb]
reclaim
Example
I need to reclaim my lost luggage at the airport. [reclaim: verb]
Example
The government is working to reclaim the land damaged by mining activities. [reclaim: verb]
Example
The company is using recycled materials to reclaim valuable resources. [reclaim: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reclaim is more commonly used than retake in everyday language. Reclaim is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retake is less common and refers to specific situations such as exams or filming.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between retake and reclaim?
Both retake and reclaim can be used in formal and informal contexts, but reclaim may be more commonly used in formal writing due to its broader range of applications.