What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
suction
Example
The dentist used a suction device to remove excess saliva from my mouth. [suction: noun]
Example
The vacuum cleaner uses suction to pick up dirt and debris from the floor. [suction: noun]
vacuum
Example
Outer space is a vacuum with no air or matter. [vacuum: noun]
Example
I need to vacuum the carpet before our guests arrive. [vacuum: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vacuum is more commonly used than suction in everyday language. Vacuum is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while suction is less common and refers to specific processes such as medical procedures or scientific experiments.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between suction and vacuum?
While suction is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, vacuum is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
