What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tanker
Example
The oil tanker was carrying crude oil from the Middle East. [tanker: noun]
Example
The tanker truck was transporting gasoline to the gas station. [tanker: noun]
Example
The water tanker was used to fill up the swimming pool. [tanker: noun]
cistern
Example
The cistern was used to collect rainwater for irrigation. [cistern: noun]
Example
The old house had a cistern in the basement for storing water. [cistern: noun]
Example
The plumber repaired the leaky cistern in the bathroom. [cistern: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tanker is more commonly used than cistern in everyday language. Tanker is associated with the transportation of fuel, oil, or other liquids, which is a common topic in news and media. Cistern is less common and often used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tanker and cistern?
Cistern is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, while tanker can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the formality of both words depends on the context in which they are used.
