What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dawdle
Example
She dawdled along the beach, enjoying the sun and sand. [dawdled: verb]
Example
He was always dawdling and never got anything done on time. [dawdling: gerund or present participle]
struggle
Example
She struggled to lift the heavy box onto the shelf. [struggled: verb]
Example
The team struggled to overcome their opponents in the championship game. [struggled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Struggle is more commonly used than dawdle in everyday language, especially in formal contexts. Dawdle is less common and is often used in informal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dawdle and struggle?
Struggle is more formal than dawdle, and it is often used in academic or professional settings to describe difficult situations or challenges. Dawdle, on the other hand, is more casual and is typically used in informal conversations or writing.