What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dialing
Example
I was dialing my friend's number when I realized I had the wrong number. [dialing: verb]
Example
He spent several minutes dialing the correct phone number before making the call. [dialing: gerund or present participle]
phoning
Example
I will be phoning my parents later tonight to check in. [phoning: verb]
Example
She was phoning her friend when the call suddenly dropped. [phoning: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Phoning is more commonly used than dialing in everyday language. Phoning is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while dialing is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dialing and phoning?
Dialing is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while phoning is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
