What's the difference between "delete" and "erase"? Can I use the word delete for non-data objects as well?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
"Delete" means removing or obliterating text, usually on a computer, phone, or typewriter. "Erase" means removing or obliterating text, usually on a whiteboard, chalkboard, or piece of paper. We use delete when discussing digital things. We do not use "erase" in these scenarios. If you used "erase" in a scenario like this, you would probably be corrected. The same goes with using "delete" when removing text from a piece of paper. We don't use "delete" in a scenario like this. Ex: She deleted her post from Facebook. Ex: I accidentally hit the delete button! Ex: He had to erase his picture off the whiteboard. Ex: Could you erase that for me?