What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ambulation
Example
The patient's ambulation was limited due to their recent surgery. [ambulation: noun]
Example
The physical therapist worked with the patient on improving their ambulation. [ambulation: gerund or present participle]
walking
Example
I enjoy walking in the park on weekends. [walking: gerund or present participle]
Example
We walked to the store for some groceries. [walked: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Walking is much more commonly used than ambulation in everyday language. Walking is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while ambulation is a more specialized term used mainly in medical or clinical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ambulation and walking?
Ambulation is a more formal term than walking and is typically used in professional or medical contexts. Walking is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.