What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
upcurrent
Example
The fish were swimming upcurrent to spawn. [upcurrent: adjective]
Example
The boat struggled to move upcurrent against the strong river flow. [upcurrent: adverb]
upstream
Example
The canoe paddled upstream to reach the campsite. [upstream: adverb]
Example
The pollution was traced upstream to the factory. [upstream: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Upstream is more commonly used than upcurrent in everyday language. Upstream is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while upcurrent is less common and may have a more technical or specialized connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between upcurrent and upstream?
Both upcurrent and upstream can be used in formal or informal contexts, but upstream is more commonly used and has a neutral connotation.
