Cool MateClear the pipes vs Drain
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clear the pipes
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Drain
Top 1,000 (very common)C1verb
Most common: Drain
| Clear the pipes | Drain | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //klɪə ðə paɪps//🇺🇸 //klɪr ðə paɪps// | 🇬🇧 /["/dreɪn/","/dreɪnz/","/dreɪnd/","/ˈdreɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dreɪn/","/dreɪnz/","/dreɪnd/","/ˈdreɪnɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Make the pipes clean and remove blockages. | To remove liquid or to take away energy. |
| Example | We need to clear the pipes to prevent any water damage. | Please drain the pasta before serving it. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | clear the pipes, clear the blockage, clear out debris, clear the drain, clear the clogs | thoroughly, well, poorly, out of, thoroughly, well, poorly, out of, completely, totally, utterly, of, out of, be drained, feel drained |
| Antonyms | - | fill, flow |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'clear up' which means to clean a space or clarify., Using 'clear' alone without specifying 'the pipes'., Overgeneralizing to non-plumbing contexts without understanding. | Confused with 'rain' when spoken., Using as a noun without clarification, e.g. 'the drain' without context., Mixing up with 'drain away' which emphasizes gradual removal. |
| Usage notes | Used in plumbing contexts. Not typically used in formal settings. Can also be metaphorical in other situations. | Use 'drain' when talking about removing liquid from something, like a sink. It's also used metaphorically to express exhaustion or loss of energy. Avoid in highly formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Clear the pipes vs Drain
What's the difference between Clear the pipes and Drain?
Clear the pipes: Make the pipes clean and remove blockages. Drain: To remove liquid or to take away energy.
Which is more common: Clear the pipes and Drain?
Drain is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Clear the pipes: We need to clear the pipes to prevent any water damage. Drain: Please drain the pasta before serving it.
Can I use Clear the pipes and Drain interchangeably?
Not always. Clear the pipes and Drain are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.