What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diddle
Example
Stop diddling around and get to work! [diddling: present participle]
Example
I spent the afternoon diddling with my phone instead of doing my homework. [diddling: gerund]
fiddle
Example
She fiddled with the tuning pegs until the violin sounded just right. [fiddled: past tense]
Example
I need to fiddle with the settings on my computer to get it to work properly. [fiddle: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fiddle is more commonly used than diddle in everyday language. Fiddle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while diddle is less common and has a more limited usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diddle and fiddle?
Fiddle is generally more formal than diddle. While diddle is often associated with a playful or informal tone, fiddle can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the meaning and usage.
