What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dipping
Example
She was dipping her toes in the cool water. [dipping: verb]
Example
He was dipping his brush into the paint. [dipping: gerund or present participle]
sinking
Example
The ship was sinking slowly into the ocean. [sinking: verb]
Example
She felt like she was sinking into despair. [sinking: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sinking is more commonly used than dipping in everyday language. Sinking is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while dipping is less common and often used in specific situations such as food or art.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dipping and sinking?
Both dipping and sinking are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
