"Swallow" vs "Ingest"

Question

"Swallow" vs "Ingest"

Both 'swallow' and 'ingest' are correct terms, but they are used in different contexts. 'Swallow' is commonly used to refer to the action of moving food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach, while 'ingest' is a more formal term that can refer to taking in food, drink, or other substances into the body through the mouth.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

Use 'swallow' when talking about the physical act of passing food or liquid down the throat. It is a common and straightforward term.

Examples:

She found it difficult to swallow the large pill.
He took a sip of water and swallowed it quickly.
The baby can now swallow solid foods.
It's important to chew your food well before swallowing.
I can't swallow this bitter medicine without making a face.

Alternatives:

gulp down
ingest
consume
eat
drink

Use 'ingest' in more formal or scientific contexts when referring to the process of taking substances into the body. It is a more technical term compared to 'swallow.'

Examples:

The doctor advised him to ingest more fiber for better digestion.
Animals ingest food through various methods depending on their species.
It is important to be cautious about what you ingest into your body.
Some substances are harmful if ingested.
The body has mechanisms to break down and absorb nutrients from ingested food.

Alternatives:

consume
take in
absorb
ingurgitate
partake of

Answer 1

Swallow

The term 'swallow' is correct and commonly used in English to describe the action of moving food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach.

Answer 2

Ingest

The term 'ingest' is correct but is more formal and less commonly used in everyday language. It refers to taking in food, drink, or other substances into the body through the mouth.

"Swallow" vs "Ingest"

Swallow

Ingest

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