What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rub
Example
She rubbed her hands together to warm them up. [rub: verb]
Example
He rubbed the ointment onto his sore muscles. [rubbed: past tense]
Example
I need to rub the stain out of this shirt. [rub: verb]
wipe
Example
She wiped the counter with a damp cloth. [wiped: past tense]
Example
He wiped his face with a towel after exercising. [wipe: verb]
Example
I need to wipe the whiteboard clean before the next class. [wipe: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wipe is more commonly used than rub in everyday language. Wipe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rub is less common and refers to more specific actions such as massage or polishing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rub and wipe?
Both rub and wipe can be used in various formality levels, allowing them to be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, rub may be associated with a more specialized or technical tone due to its specific uses in massage or polishing.
