What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dance
Example
She loves to dance to her favorite songs. [dance: verb]
Example
The ballet dancers performed a beautiful dance on stage. [dance: noun]
sway
Example
The flowers swayed in the breeze. [swayed: past tense]
Example
He tried to sway her opinion with his argument. [sway: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dance is more commonly used than sway in everyday language, especially in the context of music, entertainment, or cultural expression. Sway is a less common word that is often used in more specific contexts, such as persuasion, influence, or natural movements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dance and sway?
Dance is often associated with formal events or performances, while sway can be used in casual or everyday language. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and tone of the communication.