What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sap
Example
The long hours of work sapped his energy. [sap: verb]
Example
The constant stress was sapping her mental health. [sapping: gerund or present participle]
impair
Example
The accident impaired his vision. [impair: verb]
Example
The medication may impair your ability to drive. [impair: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impair is more commonly used than sap in formal and technical contexts, such as medicine, law, and science. However, sap is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of informal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between sap and impair?
Impair is more formal and technical in usage, while sap is more informal and casual. Therefore, impair is more appropriate for formal writing or professional contexts, while sap is more suitable for everyday conversation or informal writing.
