What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retch
Example
The smell of the rotten eggs made me retch. [retch: verb]
Example
She was retching uncontrollably after eating the spoiled food. [retching: gerund or present participle]
heave
Example
He heaved the heavy box onto the shelf. [heave: verb]
Example
She gave a mighty heave and threw the ball across the field. [heave: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heave is more commonly used than retch in everyday language. Heave is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retch is less common and refers to a specific physical reaction.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between retch and heave?
Both retch and heave are informal words that are not typically used in formal settings. However, heave may be more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels than retch.
