What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wave
Example
The waves were crashing against the shore. [wave: noun]
Example
She waved goodbye as the train pulled away from the station. [waved: past tense verb]
swell
Example
The swell of the music filled the room. [swell: noun]
Example
He swelled with pride when he received the award. [swelled: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wave is more commonly used than swell in everyday language, especially in the context of water. However, swell is still a common word that can be used in a variety of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wave and swell?
Both wave and swell are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversations. However, swell may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its less frequent use in everyday language.
