What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
syphoned
Example
He syphoned the gasoline from his car into a container. [syphoned: verb]
Example
The thief was caught syphoning gas from the company's truck. [syphoning: gerund or present participle]
drain
Example
She used a plunger to unclog the drain in the sink. [drain: noun]
Example
He drained the water from the pool before cleaning it. [drained: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drain is more commonly used than syphon in everyday language. Drain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while syphon is less common and often associated with specific uses like extracting fuel or gas.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between syphoned and drain?
Both syphon and drain are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
