What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distilling
Example
The distilling process involves heating and cooling a liquid to separate its components. [distilling: gerund or present participle]
Example
The distillery uses a copper still for distilling their whiskey. [distilling: verb]
extraction
Example
The dentist performed an extraction to remove the patient's tooth. [extraction: noun]
Example
The company uses a chemical process for the extraction of gold from ore. [extraction: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Extraction is more commonly used than distilling in everyday language, especially in scientific and technical contexts. Distilling is more specific and associated with the production of alcoholic beverages.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distilling and extraction?
Distilling and extraction are both formal terms used in scientific and technical contexts. However, extraction is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while distilling is less common and may be considered more formal.
