What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dripping
Example
The faucet was dripping all night. [dripping: present participle]
Example
The rain was dripping from the roof onto the pavement. [dripping: gerund]
leak
Example
The pipe under the sink is leaking. [leaking: present participle]
Example
There's a leak in the roof that needs to be fixed. [leak: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Leak is more commonly used than dripping in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and can refer to various types of liquid or gas escaping from a container or system.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dripping and leak?
Both dripping and leak can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and tone of the conversation.
