What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
canvassing
Example
The volunteers spent the day canvassing the neighborhood, asking residents about their concerns. [canvassing: present participle]
Example
The company hired a team to go canvassing at the mall, handing out flyers and talking to shoppers. [canvassing: gerund]
lobbying
Example
The environmental organization hired a lobbyist to advocate for stricter regulations on pollution. [lobbyist: noun]
Example
The industry representatives spent the day lobbying members of Congress to support their proposed tax incentives. [lobbying: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lobbying is more commonly used than canvassing in political and advocacy contexts. Lobbying is often associated with professional advocacy organizations and interest groups, while canvassing is commonly seen as a grassroots or community-based activity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between canvassing and lobbying?
While canvassing is generally considered informal and community-oriented, lobbying is often seen as a more formal and professional activity, involving engagement with government officials and adherence to specific regulations.
