What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disrupting
Example
The construction noise is disrupting my concentration. [disrupting: present participle]
Example
The protest disrupted the normal flow of traffic. [disrupted: past tense]
disturbing
Example
The news of the accident was disturbing. [disturbing: adjective]
Example
The loud music from the party next door is disturbing my sleep. [disturbing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disturbing is more commonly used than disrupting in everyday language. Disturbing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while disrupting is less common and refers to a specific type of interruption or disturbance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disrupting and disturbing?
Both disrupting and disturbing can be used in formal and informal contexts, but disrupting is often used in technical or professional settings, while disturbing is more commonly used in everyday language.
