What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
billowing
Example
The flag was billowing in the strong wind. [billowing: verb]
Example
The billowing smoke could be seen from miles away. [billowing: present participle]
surging
Example
The surging waves crashed against the shore. [surging: adjective]
Example
The crowd surged forward as the gates opened. [surged: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surging is more commonly used than billowing in everyday language. Surging is versatile and can be used in various contexts to describe movement or an increase in intensity. On the other hand, billowing is less common and is mostly used to describe the movement of specific objects or visual effects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between billowing and surging?
Both billowing and surging can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, billowing is often associated with a more poetic or descriptive tone, while surging can be used in a wider range of situations.
