What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
buttoning
Example
She struggled with buttoning her coat because her fingers were numb. [buttoning: present participle]
Example
He quickly buttoned up his shirt before heading out the door. [buttoned: past tense]
fastening
Example
She struggled with fastening her necklace because the clasp was tiny. [fastening: present participle]
Example
He used a zip tie for fastening the cables together. [fastened: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fastening is more commonly used than buttoning in everyday language due to its versatility and broader application. Fastening can be used in various situations, while buttoning is more specific to clothing-related discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between buttoning and fastening?
While buttoning is associated with a more formal tone, fastening is a neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile in terms of formality.
