What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
surge
Example
The waves surged against the shore during the storm. [surged: past tense]
Example
The stock market experienced a surge in prices after the announcement. [surge: noun]
rush
Example
I need to rush to catch my flight. [rush: verb]
Example
The rush of winning the game was exhilarating. [rush: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rush is more commonly used than surge in everyday language. Rush is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while surge is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between surge and rush?
Both surge and rush can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, surge may be more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts due to its association with sudden increases in things like electricity or water flow.