What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rusting
Example
The old car was rusting away in the garage. [rusting: verb]
Example
The metal fence had a layer of rusting on its surface. [rusting: noun]
erosion
Example
The river bank was eroding quickly due to heavy rainfall. [eroding: verb]
Example
The Grand Canyon was formed by millions of years of erosion. [erosion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Erosion is more commonly used than rusting in everyday language since it can refer to a wider range of materials and contexts. Rusting is more specific and less common, usually used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rusting and erosion?
Rusting is typically associated with a technical or scientific tone, while erosion can be used in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
