What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cursing
Example
He was cursing under his breath when he realized he had lost his wallet. [cursing: verb]
Example
The teacher scolded the student for cursing at his classmates. [cursing: gerund or present participle]
swearing
Example
She was so angry that she started swearing at the top of her lungs. [swearing: verb]
Example
The witness was asked to swear on the Bible before giving testimony in court. [swear: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cursing is more commonly used in everyday language than swearing. Cursing is often used in casual or informal settings, while swearing is reserved for more formal or serious situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cursing and swearing?
Swearing is often used in formal or legal contexts, while cursing is more casual and informal. Therefore, swearing is generally considered more formal than cursing.
