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B1 Verb (Past Tense/Past Participle), Adjective #8 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

drilled

Top 8

At the A1 level, 'drilled' is most easily understood in its physical sense. It means using a tool to make a hole. You might see it in simple sentences about building things or fixing a house. It is the past tense of 'drill.' For example, 'He drilled a hole.' At this stage, learners should focus on the basic action of making a hole in wood or a wall. It is a useful word for talking about simple DIY projects or basic construction. You don't need to worry about the metaphorical meanings yet. Just remember it is an action that happened in the past. It is like 'cut' or 'made,' but specifically for using a drill tool. Think of a carpenter or a person fixing a shelf. They take a drill, they push it into the wall, and now the wall is 'drilled.' It is a simple, physical concept that helps you describe work around the house or in a shop.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'drilled' to describe learning things by doing them many times. This is called a 'drill' in school. If your teacher makes you say the same words every day, you are being 'drilled.' It also still means making a physical hole. You might hear it in sports, like when a coach makes players practice the same move over and over. 'The coach drilled the team.' This level introduces the idea of repetition. It's not just doing something once; it's doing it until you know it perfectly. You can use it to talk about your own study habits. 'I drilled myself on the new words.' This shows you are working hard to remember. It's a step up from just 'studying' because it implies a very organized and repetitive way of learning. You might also see it in simple news stories about oil or gas being found in the ground.

At the B1 level, 'drilled' becomes a more versatile word. You should be comfortable using it for physical actions, repetitive training, and in specific contexts like the military or dentistry. You will understand that being 'drilled' implies a high level of discipline and intensity. For example, 'The soldiers were drilled for the parade.' You can also use it to describe a powerful action in sports, like 'He drilled the ball into the net.' At this level, you start to see the word in professional settings. A dentist 'drilled' a tooth, or an engineer 'drilled' for water. You are also introduced to the phrasal verb 'drill down,' which means to look at something in great detail. 'We drilled down into the problem.' This is very common in business and academic discussions. It shows you are not just looking at the surface, but you are investigating deeply to find the cause of something.

At the B2 level, you should use 'drilled' with more nuance and precision. You understand the difference between 'drilled,' 'bored,' and 'pierced.' You can use 'drilled' to describe a systematic and rigorous process in various fields. In a business context, you might talk about how certain values or procedures were 'drilled into' the staff. This suggests a very thorough and perhaps forceful way of teaching. You can also use it to describe the physical impact of something with more descriptive power. 'The hail drilled against the roof' suggests a persistent, forceful sound. You are comfortable using 'drilled' in passive constructions to focus on the person receiving the training. 'The recruits were drilled until they were exhausted.' You also understand the metaphorical use of 'drilling' as a way of questioning someone intensely. 'The lawyer drilled the witness with difficult questions.' This shows the word's ability to convey pressure and focus.

At the C1 level, 'drilled' is used with a high degree of sophistication. You can use it to describe complex psychological or social processes. For instance, you might discuss how certain cultural norms are 'drilled into' individuals from a young age, implying a deep-seated and perhaps unconscious level of social conditioning. You understand the word's ability to convey a sense of mechanical precision in human behavior. In technical writing, you can use 'drilled' to describe specific engineering feats with accuracy. You also recognize the word in idiomatic and stylistic contexts. For example, 'a well-drilled team' describes a group that works together with exceptional coordination and efficiency. You can use 'drilled' to create vivid imagery in creative writing, such as 'the rain drilled into the pavement,' emphasizing the intensity and rhythm of the storm. Your use of the word reflects a deep understanding of its history and its various metaphorical extensions.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'drilled' allows you to use it in highly specialized and abstract ways. You can analyze the word's connotations of authority, repetition, and penetration in literary or philosophical texts. You might use 'drilled' to describe the 'drilling' of a hole in a narrative structure, where a specific theme or event pierces through the layers of the story. In high-level professional discourse, you use 'drilled down' to describe the most granular levels of data analysis or logical deconstruction. You understand the subtle power dynamics implied when someone is 'drilled'—the relationship between the 'driller' (the authority) and the 'drilled' (the subject). You can use the word to critique systems of education or military training, highlighting both their efficiency and their potential to suppress individuality. Your use of 'drilled' is precise, evocative, and fully integrated into a sophisticated command of the English language, capable of expressing the finest shades of meaning.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

drilled en 30 secondes

Drilled is the past tense of drill, meaning to make a hole using a rotating tool in materials like wood, metal, or stone.
It also describes a rigorous, repetitive training method used to teach skills or information through constant practice and discipline.
The word is commonly used in construction, dentistry, the military, sports, and business contexts to imply precision and intensity.
Metaphorically, it can mean to investigate something deeply (drill down) or to hit something with great force and accuracy.

The word drilled serves as a versatile term in the English language, functioning primarily as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'drill,' and occasionally as an adjective. At its core, it describes the physical action of using a rotating tool to create a precise hole in materials like wood, metal, or stone. However, its metaphorical reach extends far into the realms of education, athletics, and military discipline, where it signifies a process of rigorous, repetitive training designed to instill habits or skills through sheer persistence. When you say someone was 'drilled,' you are often implying a level of intensity and frequency that goes beyond a simple lesson; it suggests a systematic approach to mastery where the subject is practiced until it becomes second nature.

Mechanical Context: In construction and DIY, 'drilled' refers to the completed action of boring a hole. For example, 'The carpenter drilled a series of holes for the dowels.'
Pedagogical Context: In teaching, it refers to the repetitive practice of facts or skills, such as 'The students were drilled on their irregular verbs until they could recite them perfectly.'
Military Context: It describes the formal training of soldiers in marching, weapon handling, and following commands with precision.

The engineering team drilled deep into the earth's crust to extract core samples for geological analysis.

Beyond these primary uses, 'drilled' is also used in sports to describe a player being hit hard by a ball or a teammate, or a coach putting the team through exhausting practice routines. The word carries a connotation of precision and force. Whether it is a physical hole or a mental concept, the idea is that something has been forcefully and accurately 'driven into' a surface or a mind. This dual nature—the physical and the psychological—makes 'drilled' a powerful word for describing any process that requires focus, repetition, and the overcoming of resistance.

The coach drilled the players on their defensive positioning for three hours straight before the championship game.

In modern business, we often hear about 'drilling down' into data. While 'drilled' in the past tense here would mean the analysis has been completed, it retains that sense of going deep beneath the surface to find the core truth or the specific detail that matters. This metaphorical usage bridges the gap between the physical act of boring into a material and the intellectual act of deep investigation. When a manager says they 'drilled into the quarterly reports,' they mean they looked past the summaries to find the specific numbers causing a trend.

The dentist drilled the decayed tooth before applying the composite filling.

Extraction Industry: Used extensively in oil and gas to describe the process of creating wells. 'They drilled for oil in the North Sea for decades.'

The sergeant drilled the new recruits on the parade ground until their movements were perfectly synchronized.

After the accident, the investigators drilled the witness for every possible detail of the event.

Using 'drilled' correctly requires understanding whether you are describing a physical action, a training method, or a metaphorical deep dive. As a past tense verb, it follows the subject. As an adjective, it often follows a linking verb or precedes a noun to describe a state. The versatility of 'drilled' allows it to fit into technical manuals, sports commentary, and academic discussions alike.

As a Simple Past Verb: 'He drilled a hole in the wall to hang the picture.' Here, it is a straightforward action completed in the past.
As a Passive Voice Construction: 'The students were drilled by the instructor.' This emphasizes the experience of the students receiving the training.
In Phrasal Verbs: 'They drilled down into the statistics.' This uses the phrasal form 'drill down' in the past tense to mean detailed analysis.

The batter was drilled in the ribs by a 95-mile-per-hour fastball, earning him a walk to first base.

When using 'drilled' in an educational context, it is often followed by the preposition 'on' or 'in.' For example, you are 'drilled on' a subject or 'drilled in' a specific skill. This distinction is subtle but helps clarify what is being practiced. In the physical sense, you 'drill into' something or 'drill through' something. Understanding these prepositions is key to sounding natural.

The offshore rig drilled through several layers of sediment before reaching the oil reservoir.

The importance of safety was drilled into the workers during their initial orientation week.

In a more figurative sense, 'drilled' can describe a repetitive sound or an intrusive thought. If a noise is constant and annoying, you might say it 'drilled into your ears.' This highlights the piercing, persistent nature of the sound. Similarly, if a question is asked repeatedly and aggressively, the person being questioned might feel 'drilled' by the interrogator.

The rescue team drilled a ventilation shaft into the collapsed mine to provide air to the trapped miners.

Sports Commentary: 'He drilled the ball into the bottom corner of the net.' This implies a powerful, accurate shot.

The accountant drilled down into the expense reports to find the source of the discrepancy.

You will encounter the word 'drilled' in a variety of real-world settings, each emphasizing a different facet of its meaning. In a construction site or a workshop, it is the most common way to describe the act of making holes. In a classroom, particularly one focused on rote learning or language acquisition, teachers often talk about having 'drilled' their students on vocabulary or grammar rules. The military is perhaps the most iconic setting for this word, where 'drill sergeants' are famous for having 'drilled' recruits until they can perform complex maneuvers in their sleep.

In the News: Often used in headlines regarding energy, such as 'New Wells Drilled in the Permian Basin,' or in reports about intense questioning in legal trials.
In Sports Media: Commentators frequently use 'drilled' to describe a hard hit or a perfectly executed, powerful shot in soccer, baseball, or hockey.

The dental assistant explained that the tooth would be drilled to remove the cavity before the filling could be placed.

In professional environments, 'drilled' appears during performance reviews or training sessions. An employee might be 'drilled' on safety protocols or new software procedures. In data science and business analytics, the phrase 'drilled down' is ubiquitous, describing the process of moving from high-level summaries to granular, detailed data points. This usage highlights the word's association with depth and thoroughness.

During the emergency simulation, the staff were drilled on the evacuation routes until they could find them in total darkness.

In literature and film, 'drilled' is often used to establish a character's background or the atmosphere of a scene. A character might have 'military discipline drilled into him from a young age,' suggesting a rigid, perhaps cold, upbringing. In a thriller, a detective might be 'drilled' by their superior about a failed mission, emphasizing the pressure and intensity of the situation. The word effectively conveys a sense of being under a microscope or being forced to perform under stress.

The geologist noted that the rock samples were drilled from a depth of over two kilometers.

Everyday Conversation: 'I was drilled by my parents on my math facts every night.' This common experience uses the word to show the repetitive nature of home study.

The quarterback drilled a pass through a tight window to his wide receiver for a touchdown.

While 'drilled' is a relatively straightforward word, learners often make mistakes regarding its prepositional usage and its nuanced connotations. One common error is using the wrong preposition when describing the training aspect. People often say 'drilled to' instead of 'drilled on' or 'drilled in.' While 'drilled to do something' is grammatically possible, 'drilled on [a topic]' is the standard way to describe the subject of the practice.

Confusing 'Drilled' with 'Bored': While 'bored' can also mean making a hole, it is often used for larger or more industrial processes. 'Drilled' is more common for everyday tools and precise training.
Overusing the Term: Learners sometimes use 'drilled' for any kind of practice. If the practice wasn't intense or repetitive, 'practiced' or 'studied' is more appropriate.

Incorrect: I was drilled to my vocabulary.
Correct: I was drilled on my vocabulary.

Another mistake is using 'drilled' when 'pierced' or 'punctured' would be more accurate. 'Drilled' implies a rotating motion and a clean, circular hole. If a hole is made by a sharp point without rotation (like a needle), 'drilled' is the wrong word. Similarly, in the metaphorical sense, 'drilled' should only be used when the training is systematic. Using it for a one-time explanation is a common misuse of the word's intensity.

Incorrect: The needle drilled my skin.
Correct: The needle pierced my skin.

In the context of 'drilling down,' a common mistake is forgetting the 'down.' Simply saying 'I drilled the data' sounds like you are physically destroying the computer or the paper. The phrasal verb 'drill down' is essential for the metaphorical meaning of deep analysis. Without the 'down,' the listener might be confused about your intent.

Incorrect: We drilled the statistics to find the error.
Correct: We drilled down into the statistics to find the error.

Spelling and Tense: Learners sometimes forget to double the 'l' in 'drilled,' though this is less common than other errors. Ensure the 'ed' is added correctly for past tense.

The pilot was drilled on emergency procedures until he could perform them instinctively.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that are similar to 'drilled' but carry different shades of meaning. Depending on whether you are talking about physical holes, training, or deep analysis, different synonyms might be more appropriate. Using a variety of terms can make your writing more precise and engaging.

Bored vs. Drilled: 'Bored' is often used for larger holes or industrial processes (e.g., boring a tunnel), while 'drilled' is for smaller, more precise holes made with a hand or bench tool.
Trained vs. Drilled: 'Trained' is a general term. 'Drilled' specifically implies the repetitive, disciplined nature of the training.
Inculcated vs. Drilled: 'Inculcated' is a more formal, academic word meaning to instill an idea or habit through persistent instruction. 'Drilled' is more common and less formal.

The tunnel was bored through the mountain, but the bolt holes were drilled by hand.

In the context of analysis, instead of 'drilled down,' you might use 'probed,' 'scrutinized,' or 'investigated.' 'Probed' suggests a searching, almost medical inquiry. 'Scrutinized' implies a very close, critical examination. 'Drilled down' remains the best choice when you want to emphasize moving through layers of information to reach a specific detail.

The coach exercised the team, but he drilled them on the specific play until they could do it blindfolded.

When talking about physical impact, 'drilled' can be replaced by 'pelted,' 'struck,' or 'slammed.' In sports, 'pelted' might imply being hit multiple times, while 'drilled' usually refers to one very hard, accurate hit. 'Slammed' conveys more raw power but perhaps less precision than 'drilled.' Choosing the right word helps paint a clearer picture for your reader or listener.

The values of the company were instilled in the employees, but the specific protocols were drilled during orientation.

Punctured vs. Drilled: 'Punctured' is for a hole made by a sharp object (like a tire on a nail). 'Drilled' is for a hole made by a rotating tool.

The researcher probed the data for outliers after she had drilled down into the demographics.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The military sense of 'drill' (training soldiers) actually came from the Dutch, who were leaders in military organization in the 1500s. The idea was that soldiers should be 'turned' or 'moved' like a drill to create a disciplined unit.

Guide de prononciation

UK /drɪld/

US /drɪld/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rime avec

filled killed skilled billed chilled grilled milled stilled

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'dril-ed' (two syllables). It should be one syllable.
Confusing the 'i' sound with 'ee' (dreelled).
Softening the final 'd' so it sounds like 'drilt'.
Not pronouncing the 'r' clearly enough.
Adding a vowel sound between 'd' and 'r'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, but metaphorical uses require more focus.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of correct prepositions like 'on' or 'into'.

Expression orale 3/5

Common in sports and work talk; pronunciation is simple.

Écoute 3/5

Must distinguish between physical and metaphorical meanings based on tone.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

drill hole practice tool repeat

Apprends ensuite

inculcate perforate scrutinize bore penetrate

Avancé

rotary subterranean pedagogy regimented granularity

Grammaire à connaître

Regular Past Tense Formation

Drill + ed = Drilled.

Passive Voice with Training

The students (Object) were (Auxiliary) drilled (Past Participle).

Phrasal Verbs (Drill down)

We drilled down (Verb + Particle) into the data.

Prepositional Usage (On/In)

Drilled on (Topic) vs. Drilled in (Skill/Field).

Adjectival Use of Participles

A well-drilled (Adjective) athlete.

Exemples par niveau

The man drilled a hole in the wood.

L'homme a percé un trou dans le bois.

Simple past tense of 'drill'.

She drilled a hole for the screw.

Elle a percé un trou pour la vis.

Subject + Verb (Past) + Object.

They drilled into the wall yesterday.

Ils ont percé dans le mur hier.

Use of 'into' to show direction.

The carpenter drilled three holes.

Le charpentier a percé trois trous.

Number + Plural noun.

He drilled a hole in the plastic toy.

Il a percé un trou dans le jouet en plastique.

Simple past tense.

I drilled a hole in the shelf.

J'ai percé un trou dans l'étagère.

First person singular.

We drilled the metal plate.

Nous avons percé la plaque de métal.

Direct object 'the metal plate'.

The boy drilled a hole in the dirt.

Le garçon a percé un trou dans la terre.

Simple past tense.

The teacher drilled the students on the alphabet.

Le professeur a fait réviser l'alphabet aux élèves de façon répétitive.

Drilled [someone] on [something].

We drilled the new words every morning.

Nous avons répété les nouveaux mots chaque matin.

Implies repetitive practice.

The coach drilled the players on passing.

L'entraîneur a fait travailler les passes aux joueurs.

Sports context for training.

They drilled for oil in the desert.

Ils ont foré pour du pétrole dans le désert.

Drilled for [resource].

I drilled my math facts for the test.

J'ai révisé mes tables de mathématiques pour le test.

Reflexive or personal study.

The workers drilled through the rock.

Les ouvriers ont percé à travers le rocher.

Drilled through [material].

She drilled the hole very carefully.

Elle a percé le trou très soigneusement.

Adverb 'carefully' modifies the verb.

The team drilled their routine for the show.

L'équipe a répété sa routine pour le spectacle.

Drilled [a routine].

The dentist drilled my tooth to fix the cavity.

Le dentiste a fraisé ma dent pour soigner la carie.

Specific medical/dental usage.

The sergeant drilled the recruits for hours.

Le sergent a fait faire des exercices aux recrues pendant des heures.

Military context for discipline.

We drilled down into the sales figures to find the problem.

Nous avons approfondi les chiffres de vente pour trouver le problème.

Phrasal verb 'drill down into'.

The importance of safety was drilled into every employee.

L'importance de la sécurité a été inculquée à chaque employé.

Passive voice: [Something] was drilled into [someone].

He drilled the ball into the corner of the goal.

Il a expédié le ballon dans le coin du but.

Sports: implies power and accuracy.

The company drilled a new well last month.

L'entreprise a foré un nouveau puits le mois dernier.

Industry context.

The students were drilled on their irregular verbs.

Les étudiants ont été interrogés de façon répétitive sur leurs verbes irréguliers.

Passive voice with 'on'.

She drilled a hole through the thick metal plate.

Elle a percé un trou à travers l'épaisse plaque de métal.

Preposition 'through'.

The lawyer drilled the witness about her whereabouts.

L'avocat a cuisiné le témoin sur l'endroit où elle se trouvait.

Metaphorical: intense questioning.

The rain drilled relentlessly against the windowpane.

La pluie frappait sans relâche contre la vitre.

Metaphorical: persistent sound/impact.

The concept of duty was drilled into him from childhood.

Le concept de devoir lui a été inculqué dès l'enfance.

Abstract concept as the object.

They drilled a tunnel through the heart of the mountain.

Ils ont creusé un tunnel au cœur de la montagne.

Large-scale engineering.

The pitcher drilled the batter with a high fastball.

Le lanceur a touché le batteur avec une balle rapide haute.

Sports: being hit by the ball.

The team was well-drilled and followed instructions perfectly.

L'équipe était bien entraînée et suivait parfaitement les instructions.

Adjective: 'well-drilled'.

We drilled deep into the data to uncover the hidden trends.

Nous avons creusé profondément dans les données pour découvrir les tendances cachées.

Metaphorical: deep analysis.

The sound of the construction drilled into my head all day.

Le bruit du chantier m'a martelé la tête toute la journée.

Metaphorical: annoying, persistent sound.

The ideology was drilled into the population through constant propaganda.

L'idéologie a été inculquée à la population par une propagande constante.

Sociopolitical context.

The surgeon drilled into the skull to relieve the pressure.

Le chirurgien a percé le crâne pour soulager la pression.

Advanced medical/surgical context.

He drilled a hole in the opponent's defense with a precise pass.

Il a percé une brèche dans la défense adverse avec une passe précise.

Metaphorical: finding a weakness.

The investigator drilled down into the financial records, looking for fraud.

L'enquêteur a épluché les dossiers financiers, à la recherche de fraudes.

Complex phrasal verb usage.

Her eyes drilled into him, demanding an honest answer.

Ses yeux le transperçaient, exigeant une réponse honnête.

Metaphorical: intense gaze.

The repetitive nature of the task drilled a sense of boredom into the staff.

La nature répétitive de la tâche a instillé un sentiment d'ennui chez le personnel.

Cause and effect with 'drilled into'.

The core samples were drilled from the Antarctic ice sheet.

Les carottes ont été forées dans la calotte glaciaire de l'Antarctique.

Scientific/Environmental context.

The drill sergeant's voice drilled through the morning mist.

La voix du sergent instructeur a transpercé la brume matinale.

Literary/Evocative usage.

The socio-economic ramifications were drilled down to the individual level.

Les ramifications socio-économiques ont été analysées jusqu'au niveau individuel.

Highly abstract analysis.

The habitus of the elite is drilled into their children through exclusive schooling.

L'habitus de l'élite est inculqué à leurs enfants par une scolarité exclusive.

Sociological terminology (habitus).

The precision with which the holes were drilled suggested advanced technology.

La précision avec laquelle les trous ont été percés suggérait une technologie avancée.

Focus on the quality of the action.

The philosophical implications of the text were drilled into the seminar participants.

Les implications philosophiques du texte ont été inculquées aux participants du séminaire.

Abstract intellectual context.

The machine drilled with such force that the entire building vibrated.

La machine forait avec une telle force que tout le bâtiment vibrait.

Describing the physical impact of the action.

The narrative drilled into the protagonist's psyche, revealing his deepest fears.

Le récit a exploré en profondeur le psychisme du protagoniste, révélant ses peurs les plus profondes.

Literary criticism context.

The environmental impact of the wells drilled in the region is still being assessed.

L'impact environnemental des puits forés dans la région est encore en cours d'évaluation.

Formal/Scientific reporting.

The silence was eventually drilled by the rhythmic sound of the distant machinery.

Le silence a finalement été rompu par le son rythmique de la machinerie lointaine.

Poetic/Metaphorical use of 'drilled'.

Collocations courantes

drilled a hole

drilled into

drilled down

well-drilled

drilled for oil

drilled on

drilled through

drilled by

freshly drilled

drilled deep

Phrases Courantes

drilled into one's head

drill down

well-drilled team

drilled for hours

drilled to perfection

drilled a well

drilled on the basics

drilled through the core

drilled by the best

drilled for answers

Souvent confondu avec

drilled vs bored

Bored is for larger holes (tunnels); drilled is for smaller, tool-based holes.

drilled vs pierced

Pierced is for sharp points (needles); drilled is for rotating tools.

drilled vs trained

Trained is general; drilled is specifically repetitive and disciplined.

Expressions idiomatiques

"drill it into someone"

To make someone learn or believe something by repeating it many times.

The teacher tried to drill the rules into the students.

Informal

"know the drill"

To be familiar with the standard procedure or way of doing things.

You don't need to explain; I already know the drill.

Informal

"drill down to the bedrock"

To investigate something until the absolute foundation or truth is found.

We need to drill down to the bedrock of this financial crisis.

Metaphorical

"drill a hole in your pocket"

To spend money very quickly (usually 'burning a hole', but 'drilled' is sometimes used for emphasis on the speed).

That new car really drilled a hole in my pocket.

Informal

"drilled to the bone"

To be extremely exhausted from repetitive training or work.

After the marathon training, I felt drilled to the bone.

Informal

"drill sergeant"

A person who is very strict and demanding, like a military instructor.

My boss is a real drill sergeant about deadlines.

Informal/Metaphorical

"drill through the noise"

To focus on what is important despite many distractions.

We need to drill through the noise to find the real customer feedback.

Business

"drilled into the ground"

To repeat something so much that it becomes annoying or loses its meaning.

That joke has been drilled into the ground by now.

Informal

"drill the point home"

To make sure an argument or idea is fully understood through forceful repetition.

The speaker drilled the point home with several examples.

General

"well-drilled machine"

An organization or group that functions with extreme efficiency.

The logistics company operated like a well-drilled machine.

Business/General

Facile à confondre

drilled vs grilled

Sounds similar.

Grilled refers to cooking or intense questioning, but without the sense of repetitive training or making holes.

The suspect was grilled by police, but the recruits were drilled by the sergeant.

drilled vs thrilled

Rhymes with drilled.

Thrilled means very excited; drilled means bored a hole or practiced repetitively.

I was thrilled that he drilled the winning goal.

drilled vs milled

Rhymes and relates to tools.

Milled refers to grinding or shaping material with a cutter, while drilled is specifically for making holes.

The metal was milled to shape and then drilled for bolts.

drilled vs filled

Rhymes and is the opposite action.

Filled means to make full; drilled means to make a hole (empty space).

He drilled the hole and then filled it with glue.

drilled vs stilled

Rhymes.

Stilled means to make quiet or motionless.

The noise of the machine was finally stilled after it drilled the last hole.

Structures de phrases

Subject + drilled + a hole.

I drilled a hole.

Subject + drilled + [someone] + on + [topic].

She drilled us on the words.

Subject + was/were + drilled + by + [agent].

The team was drilled by the coach.

Subject + drilled + down + into + [data/details].

We drilled down into the costs.

Subject + drilled + [concept] + into + [someone].

They drilled fear into the people.

The [noun] + was + drilled + with + [precision/force].

The hole was drilled with extreme precision.

Subject + drilled + for + [resource].

They drilled for water.

Adjective + drilled + Noun.

A well-drilled squad arrived.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in construction, education, military, and business analytics.

Erreurs courantes

I was drilled to my math. → I was drilled on my math.
The preposition 'on' is used to indicate the subject of the drill.
The doctor drilled my arm with a needle. → The doctor pierced my arm with a needle.
Drilling involves rotation; needles pierce or puncture.
We drilled the data for an hour. → We drilled down into the data for an hour.
Without 'down into,' it sounds like you are physically damaging the data.
He was bored a hole in the wood. → He drilled a hole in the wood.
While 'bored' is possible, 'drilled' is the standard word for hand tools.
The team was very drilled. → The team was well-drilled.
When used as an adjective for a group, 'well-drilled' is the idiomatic form.

Astuces

Physical Precision

Use 'drilled' when the hole is made by a circular, rotating motion. For other types of holes, use 'punched' or 'cut'.

Repetition is Key

Only use 'drilled' for learning if the process involved doing the same thing many times. It's not for a single explanation.

Data Analysis

The phrase 'drilled down' is a powerful way to describe deep research in professional settings. Use it to sound more analytical.

Power and Accuracy

In sports, 'drilled' implies the ball was hit with both great strength and perfect aim. It's a high-praise word for a shot.

Discipline

When describing a group that works perfectly together, 'well-drilled' is an excellent adjective to use.

Preposition Check

Remember: drilled *on* a subject, drilled *into* a surface, drilled *through* a material, drilled *down* into data.

Metaphorical Use

Don't be afraid to use 'drilled' for sounds or eyes. 'His gaze drilled into me' is very evocative.

Industry Context

In oil and gas, 'drilled' is the standard term. Using 'dug' or 'poked' for a well will sound unprofessional.

Connotation

Be aware that 'drilled' can sound a bit harsh. If you want to sound gentler, use 'guided' or 'practiced'.

Variety

If you use 'drilled' once for a physical hole, try a synonym like 'inculcated' for a mental one to avoid repetition in your writing.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a **D**rill **R**otating **I**nto **L**ayers **L**eaving **E**mpty **D**epths. This covers the physical act of making a hole.

Association visuelle

Imagine a drill bit spinning fast and going into a piece of wood. Then imagine a teacher pointing at a blackboard and students repeating words like a machine. Both are 'drilling'.

Word Web

Hole Tool Practice Military Oil Dentist Repetition Discipline

Défi

Try to use 'drilled' in three different ways today: once for a physical object, once for your studies, and once for a sport or hobby.

Origine du mot

The word 'drill' comes from the Middle Dutch word 'drillen,' which meant to bore, to turn, or to exercise soldiers. It entered the English language in the 16th century.

Sens originel : To turn or to bore a hole.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

Be careful using 'drilled' to describe teaching people, as it can imply a lack of freedom or creativity.

In the US and UK, 'drill sergeants' are a cultural icon of toughness and discipline.

The movie 'Full Metal Jacket' features a famous drill sergeant. Oil drilling is a major theme in the film 'There Will Be Blood'. The 'drill' music genre (though the name has a different slang origin, it shares the sense of intensity).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Construction

drilled a pilot hole
drilled through masonry
pre-drilled holes
drilled for anchors

Education

drilled on vocabulary
drilled in mental math
repetitive drilling
drilled for the exam

Military

drilled on the parade ground
drilled in combat tactics
well-drilled unit
drilled until sunset

Business/Data

drilled down into the report
drilled for details
drilled the numbers
drilled into the root cause

Sports

drilled a shot
drilled the batter
drilled on fundamentals
drilled into the net

Amorces de conversation

"Have you ever drilled a hole in a wall yourself, or do you hire someone?"

"Were you drilled on multiplication tables when you were in elementary school?"

"What kind of skills do you think need to be drilled until they are automatic?"

"Do you think sports teams are better when they are drilled strictly by a coach?"

"Have you ever had a tooth drilled at the dentist? How was the experience?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you had to be drilled on a specific skill. How did it feel at the time, and was it effective?

If you were a coach, what specific plays or movements would you make sure your team drilled every single day?

Write about a project where you had to use tools. Did you have to drill any holes? What was the outcome?

Reflect on the phrase 'drilled into my head.' What values or lessons did your parents or teachers drill into you?

Imagine you are drilling for something valuable deep in the earth. What are you looking for, and what challenges do you face?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it is often used to describe training people through repetition, such as 'The teacher drilled the students.' It implies a very disciplined approach.

Usually, you are 'drilled on' a topic (like vocabulary) and 'drilled in' a skill or a field (like combat or mathematics). However, they are often used interchangeably.

It is primarily a verb (past tense), but it can function as an adjective, as in 'a well-drilled team' or 'a drilled hole.'

In the sense of making a hole, yes, but 'bored' is usually for larger, industrial holes like tunnels, while 'drilled' is for smaller ones.

It means to look at the details of a report or a set of data rather than just the summary. For example, 'We need to drill down into the regional sales numbers.'

Yes, it can mean hitting a ball very hard and accurately, or it can mean a player was hit by a ball (e.g., 'The batter was drilled by the pitch').

It is a regular verb. The base form is 'drill,' and you simply add '-ed' to form the past tense and past participle.

You use a form of 'to be' plus 'drilled.' For example: 'The recruits were drilled every morning at 6 AM.'

No. Although 'bore' can mean to make a hole, the adjective for being uninterested is 'bored.' 'Drilled' never means uninterested.

A drill sergeant is a military officer responsible for training new recruits through intense, repetitive exercises and discipline.