What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
careen
Example
The car careened down the hill, narrowly avoiding a collision. [careened: past tense]
Example
The ship careened to one side as it sailed through rough waters. [careened: verb]
list
Example
The boat listed to the left after hitting a large wave. [listed: past tense]
Example
I made a list of groceries that we need to buy. [list: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
List is more commonly used than careen in everyday language. List is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as writing, inventories, and descriptions of ship movement. Careen, on the other hand, is less common and more specific to describing fast and uncontrolled movements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between careen and list?
Both careen and list can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, list is more commonly used in formal writing and professional settings due to its versatility and wide range of applications.
