What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crusting
Example
The bread had a delicious crust on the outside. [crust: noun]
Example
The paint on the wall was crusting over due to the humidity. [crusting: present participle]
caking
Example
The mud was caking on my shoes. [caking: present participle]
Example
The frosting on the cake was caking and cracking. [caking: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crusting and caking are less common words and may not be frequently used in everyday language. They are more likely to be used in specific contexts, such as cooking, cosmetics, or construction.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crusting and caking?
Both crusting and caking are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.