What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diddling
Example
Stop diddling around and get back to work! [diddling: verb]
Example
The kids were diddling with the toys, making silly noises and faces. [diddling: gerund or present participle]
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 phone to get the camera to work properly. [fiddle: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fiddle is more commonly used than diddling in everyday language. Fiddle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while diddling is less common and refers to a more specific type of activity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diddling and fiddle?
While diddling is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, fiddle can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
