Wash the roots

[nyggus]

I noticed some authors write "the soil was washed from the roots" and others write "the roots were washed from the soil". For me the latter is correct because it was the roots that were washed, not the soil. But maybe both are correct since both are used. Which is better, then?

Thanks,
Nyggus

 

[Anglika]

Neither is "better" than the other.

The soil was washed away from the roots - either by a flood or by washing the plant under a tap.

The roots were washed from the soil is more specific in that the plant is still in the ground and the soil has been washed away by a flood.

 

[nyggus]

Neither is "better" than the other.

The soil was washed away from the roots - either by a flood or by washing the plant under a tap.

The roots were washed from the soil is more specific in that the plant is still in the ground and the soil has been washed away by a flood.

OK, thanks, Anglika. It is then the former that carries the meaning I need.

Nyggus