What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
caning
Example
The school principal decided to give the student three strokes of caning for breaking the rules. [caning: noun]
Example
In some countries, caning is still used as a legal punishment for certain crimes. [caning: gerund or present participle]
whipping
Example
The criminal was sentenced to ten lashes of whipping as a punishment for his crimes. [whipping: noun]
Example
The slave owner cruelly whipped the slaves as a means of control and punishment. [whipping: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Caning is more commonly used than whipping in everyday language, especially when referring to school or institutional discipline. Whipping is less common and is mostly used in specific contexts related to punishment for crimes or historical references.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between caning and whipping?
Both caning and whipping are formal terms used to describe physical punishment. However, whipping may carry a stronger connotation of brutality and is generally considered more formal and serious compared to caning.
