What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swoop
Example
The eagle swooped down and caught the fish in its talons. [swooped: past tense]
Example
The police swooped in and arrested the suspect. [swooped: past participle]
plunge
Example
The car plunged off the cliff and into the water below. [plunged: past tense]
Example
The company's profits took a plunge after the scandal was revealed. [plunge: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plunge is more commonly used than swoop in everyday language, especially in the context of sudden changes or risky actions. Swoop is more specific and less common, often used to describe a bird's movement or a sudden and targeted action.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swoop and plunge?
Both swoop and plunge are informal words that are suitable for casual conversation or writing. However, plunge may be more commonly used in formal writing to describe sudden changes or drops in data or statistics.
