What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
digging
Example
I was digging in the garden when I found a buried treasure. [digging: verb]
Example
The construction workers were digging a foundation for the new building. [digging: gerund or present participle]
mining
Example
The company is mining for gold in the mountains. [mining: verb]
Example
Mining can be a dangerous job due to the risks involved in working underground. [mining: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Digging is more commonly used than mining in everyday language. Digging is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while mining is more specific to the industry of extracting valuable resources from the earth.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between digging and mining?
Mining is typically associated with a formal and technical tone due to its specialized nature and heavy regulation, while digging can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
