What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brushing
Example
She was brushing her long hair in front of the mirror. [brushing: verb]
Example
Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day for good oral health. [brush: verb]
Example
The artist was brushing paint onto the canvas, creating beautiful strokes. [brushing: gerund or present participle]
sweeping
Example
She was sweeping the floor to remove the dust and dirt. [sweeping: verb]
Example
The bird took off with a sweeping motion of its wings. [sweeping: adjective]
Example
The new policy had a sweeping impact on the entire organization. [sweeping: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sweeping is more commonly used than brushing in everyday language. Sweeping is a versatile term that can be applied to various cleaning contexts, while brushing is more specific and often used in personal care or artistic activities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brushing and sweeping?
While brushing is commonly associated with personal care and artistic activities, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Sweeping, on the other hand, is more commonly used in informal or casual settings, such as household chores or outdoor maintenance.
