What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
climbing
Example
We went climbing in the mountains over the weekend. [climbing: verb]
Example
Rock climbing requires strength, skill, and focus. [climbing: noun]
scrambling
Example
We enjoyed scrambling up the boulders to reach the top of the hill. [scrambling: gerund or present participle]
Example
The hikers had to scramble down the steep slope to avoid the falling rocks. [scramble: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Climbing is more commonly used and recognized as a specific activity, especially in the context of mountaineering and rock climbing. Scrambling is less common and may be used more broadly to describe various types of climbing or moving quickly over rough surfaces.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between climbing and scrambling?
Both climbing and scrambling can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, climbing may be more commonly used in formal or technical discussions, while scrambling may be used more casually or in everyday conversations.
