What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swell
Example
The mosquito bite caused my ankle to swell. [swell: verb]
Example
She felt a swell of pride when she received the award. [swell: noun]
Example
The crowd began to swell with anticipation as the concert started. [swell: verb]
expand
Example
The company plans to expand its operations to Europe. [expand: verb]
Example
Reading can help expand your vocabulary. [expand: verb]
Example
The museum is expanding its collection to include more contemporary art. [expanding: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expand is more commonly used than swell in everyday language. Expand is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while swell is less common and has more specific connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swell and expand?
Expand is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts. Swell is typically associated with a more casual and informal tone, although it can also be used in some formal contexts.
