What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
beckon
Example
She beckoned her friend to join her at the front of the line. [beckoned: past tense]
Example
The teacher beckoned the students to gather around for a group activity. [beckoning: present participle]
wave
Example
He waved at his friend across the street. [waved: past tense]
Example
The child waved goodbye to her grandparents as they drove away. [waving: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wave is more commonly used than beckon in everyday language. Wave is versatile and can be used in various social contexts, while beckon is less common and typically used in specific situations where you want someone to join you or follow your lead.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between beckon and wave?
While wave can be used in both formal and informal contexts, beckon is generally associated with a more formal tone. Beckon is often used in professional or authoritative settings to signal or call someone to come closer or follow instructions.
