What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swallowing
Example
She had difficulty swallowing the large pill. [swallowing: gerund]
Example
Swallowing is an automatic reflex that helps prevent choking. [swallowing: noun]
ingestion
Example
The ingestion of contaminated water caused the illness. [ingestion: noun]
Example
The digestive system is responsible for the ingestion and breakdown of food. [ingestion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swallowing is more commonly used in everyday language, while ingestion is more technical and scientific.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swallowing and ingestion?
Ingestion is more formal than swallowing, and is often used in technical or medical contexts.
