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 in the stormy sea, causing the passengers to hold on tightly. [careening: present participle]
veer
Example
The cyclist veered to the left to avoid hitting a pothole. [veered: past tense]
Example
The plane veered off course due to strong winds. [veering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Veer is more commonly used than careen in everyday language. Veer is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while careen is less common and typically used to describe specific situations involving fast and uncontrolled movements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between careen and veer?
While careen is associated with a more informal or dramatic tone, veer is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
