What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
beeping
Example
The car behind me kept beeping impatiently as I waited for the traffic light to turn green. [beeping: verb]
Example
The microwave oven started beeping to indicate that the food was ready. [beeping: present participle]
peeping
Example
I caught my neighbor peeping through my window, and it made me feel uncomfortable. [peeping: present participle]
Example
The children were excitedly peeping through the keyhole to see what was happening in the room. [peeping: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Beeping is more commonly used than peeping in everyday language. Beeping is a widely recognized term used to describe the sound emitted by various devices, while peeping is less common and more specific to the act of secret observation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between beeping and peeping?
Both beeping and peeping are informal words. However, beeping can be used in both formal and informal contexts due to its association with machines and devices, while peeping is typically used in casual or colloquial conversations.