What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aiming
Example
The soldier was aiming his rifle at the enemy. [aiming: verb]
Example
She is aiming to finish her project by the end of the week. [aiming: present participle]
pointing
Example
He was pointing to the map to show us where we needed to go. [pointing: verb]
Example
The teacher was pointing out the mistakes in the student's essay. [pointing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pointing is more commonly used than aiming in everyday language. Pointing is versatile and can be employed in various contexts, while aiming is less common and is typically used in specific physical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aiming and pointing?
Both aiming and pointing can be used in formal and informal contexts, but aiming may be more associated with serious or intense situations, while pointing can be more neutral or casual.
