What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sewer
Example
The city's sewer system is in need of repair. [sewer: noun]
Example
The rainwater flowed into the sewer drain on the street corner. [sewer: adjective]
culvert
Example
The culvert under the bridge was clogged with debris, causing the water to overflow. [culvert: noun]
Example
The engineers designed a culvert system to redirect the water away from the construction site. [culvert: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sewer is more commonly used than culvert in everyday language, as it is a more familiar term for most people. Culvert is a more technical term and may be less commonly used outside of engineering or construction contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sewer and culvert?
Both sewer and culvert are technical terms and may be considered formal language. However, sewer is more commonly used and may be more versatile in different formality levels, while culvert may be more specific to technical or professional contexts.
