Cool MateDrain vs Flush down
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Drain
Top 1,000 (very common)C1verb
Flush down
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Drain
| Drain | Flush down | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dreɪn/","/dreɪnz/","/dreɪnd/","/ˈdreɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dreɪn/","/dreɪnz/","/dreɪnd/","/ˈdreɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //flʌʃ daʊn//🇺🇸 //flʌʃ daʊn// |
| Meaning | To remove liquid or to take away energy. | To send waste away with water, usually in a toilet. |
| Example | Please drain the pasta before serving it. | Make sure to flush down the toilet paper after use. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | thoroughly, well, poorly, out of, thoroughly, well, poorly, out of, completely, totally, utterly, of, out of, be drained, feel drained | flush down the toilet, flush down waste, flush down water, flush down debris, flush down food |
| Antonyms | fill, flow | - |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Confused with 'flush away', which has a similar but different meaning., Using intransitively, as in 'I flush down' without specifying an object., Not using the correct context; it's often used informally. |
| Usage notes | 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. | Use in contexts related to toilets or cleaning. Avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Drain vs Flush down
What's the difference between Drain and Flush down?
Drain: To remove liquid or to take away energy. Flush down: To send waste away with water, usually in a toilet.
Which is more common: Drain and Flush down?
Drain is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Drain: Please drain the pasta before serving it. Flush down: Make sure to flush down the toilet paper after use.
Can I use Drain and Flush down interchangeably?
Not always. Drain and Flush down 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.