What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swab
Example
The nurse will swab your throat to collect a sample for testing. [swab: verb]
Example
He used a swab to clean the wound before applying the bandage. [swab: noun]
Example
She swabbed the kitchen counter with disinfectant to remove any germs. [swabbed: past tense]
wipe
Example
Please wipe your feet on the mat before entering the house. [wipe: verb]
Example
She wiped the table with a damp cloth to remove the stains. [wiped: past tense]
Example
He used a tissue to wipe his nose when he had a cold. [wipe: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wipe is more commonly used than swab in everyday language. Wipe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while swab is less common and refers to a more specific action.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swab and wipe?
While swab is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, wipe is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
