What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
avoiding
Example
I am avoiding sweets because I am trying to eat healthier. [avoiding: present participle]
Example
She always avoids confrontation and tries to keep the peace. [avoids: verb]
escaping
Example
The prisoner managed to escape from jail by digging a tunnel. [escape: verb]
Example
When the fire broke out, everyone rushed to escape the building. [escaping: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Avoiding is more commonly used than escaping in everyday language. Avoiding is versatile and can be applied to various contexts, while escaping is more specific and often used in more urgent or extreme situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between avoiding and escaping?
Both avoiding and escaping can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, avoiding is generally considered more neutral and can be used in a wider range of formality levels, while escaping may carry a sense of urgency or desperation and is more commonly used in informal or dramatic contexts.